The Holy Face is conserved in the chapel of Palazzo del Laterano. It is considered as a miraculous painting of Christ, attributed to St. Luca who was helped by an angel. During the Middle Ages, the painting was showed during processions praying for protection from plague and other epidemics. In order to prevent its deterioration, it was covered by a gold rigid sheet that could be opened to show the face. In addition, the metal plate could be opened also to show the hands, feet and ribs on the occasion of the Five Holy Wounds adoration. The painting deteriorated during the centuries so what we see today is not the original one anymore.