The shrine of the cathedral-patrons, how the Epiphaniusshrine is also called, is beneath the altarslab of the high altar and is a work of art from the first half of the 12th century.
This golden shrine saves relics of the cathedral patrons. Six saints, including Cosmas, Damian and Epiphanius, are depictured on the narrow parts, whereas on the oblong parts both parables are shown of the prudent and foolish virgins and the talents which are to augment – a clue to the exemplary lifework of the saints.
The precious shrine, which stood under the altar slab of the high altar in the cathedral until the cathedral was renovated, therefore also shows six saints, including Epiphanius, Cosmas and Damian. They are depicted on the narrow sides of the golden shrine, while the long sides show the two parables of the wise and foolish virgins and of the talents that must be increased - a reference to the exemplary life's work of the saints. It probably only became known as the "Epiphanius Shrine" when the shrine of Saint Godehard was placed next to it (presumably in the late Middle Ages). The structure was probably designed in such a way that the narrow sides could be seen together with the depictions of the two holy bishops.
Epiphanius was bishop in his hometown of Pavia from 466, praised as the "light and father of the bishops". His relics were brought to Hildesheim in November 962 by the Hildesheim bishop Othwin.
After the restoration, the shrine was returned to its original location, in a raised eastern wall niche above the St. Cecilia Chapel in the northern transept.
