Pilgrims stand behind a special glass showcase containing the

The "Tunic of Jesus Christ" went on display today for the first time in 16 years.

The tunic is believed to be the garment worn by Jesus Christ prior to his crucifixion, quoted in the Gospel of St. John as "seamless."

The tunic, also known as the "Holy Robe" and "Christ's Seamless Tunic," is on display from April 13 to May 13 in Trier, Germany's oldest city.

As many as half a million people are expected to see the tunic in the "Holy Robe Pilgrimage 2012," hosted by the Trier Diocese.

The tunic was last on display in 2006 attracting 700,000 visitors, according to the Trier city website.  The display was active two other times in 1959 and 1933.

This year marks the 500 th anniversary of the first Holy Robe pilgrimage.  In 1512, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I removed the robe from the high altar, where it had been hidden for centuries.  Pilgrims flooded the city wanting to see the robe, and there was the first official public showing.

Showings of the tunic are between 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. free of charge.  Art projects, concerts, exhibitions and more will be available during the pilgrimage.