As the Vatican prepares to display bones it believes to be those of St Peter, we explore an amazing series of jewelled saints' remains from southern Germany
St Valerius in Weyarn, Germany. Records suggest the decoration is incomplete,but is has similarities in technique with the relic of Alburtus further south in the Bavarian village of Burgrain (see later image)Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & HudsonA skull relic from Roggenburg, Germany, given a generic name of Deodatus, as its real identity is unknown Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & HudsonSt Friedrich at the Benedictine abbey in Melk, Austria, is in a reclining pose, typical to some of the relics. He holds a laurel branch as a sign of victoryPhotograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & HudsonSt Albertus in the church of St George, Burgrain, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & HudsonThe hand of St Valentin in Bad Schussenried, GermanyPhotograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & HudsonSt Benedictus in the church of St Michael, MunichPhotograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & HudsonSt Luciana from Heiligkreuztal, Bavaria, who was prepared for display by the nuns in nearby EnnetachPhotograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & HudsonThe skull of St Getreu in Ursberg, Germany. It's covered in silk mesh and fine wirework set with gemstones Photograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & HudsonSt Valentinus in Waldsassen, Germany, was decorated by the lay brother Adalbart Eder, and wears a biretta and an elaborate, jewelled version of a deacon's cassock, as the saint was believed to have been a deaconPhotograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & HudsonSt Vincentus in Stams, near Innsbruck, Austria. The ribs are exposed beneath a web of golden leaves, and the hand rasied to cover the face is a sign of modestyPhotograph: Paul Koudounaris/Thames & Hudson
