It's been called one of the most important treasures housed by the Vatican and now it has been restored to its former glory.

It's the Crux Vaticana -- a 6th century reliquary that's said to contain actual pieces of the cross that Jesus Christ was crucified on.

The cross is just 12 inches high and was given as a present to the people of Rome by the late Byzantine Emperor Justin the Second.

The restoration process included the replacement of many of the precious gemstomes added over the centuries.

The cost of the restoration was covered by an anonymous donor.

The Crux Vaticana was unveiled by the Holy See on Thursday and will be on display inside St. Peter's Basilica until mid-April.

　

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