A stunning historical discovery has been made at Vilnius Cathedral in Lithuania, where royal burial treasures dating back to the 16th century were uncovered after being hidden for nearly a century.
These remarkable artefacts, including crowns, rings, chains, a sceptre, and coffin plaques, were concealed in a crypt at the onset of World War II. They once belonged to prominent figures of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland, offering valuable insights into the cultural and historical significance of the era.
The regalia were discovered on December 16, 2024, during an excavation of the cathedral’s underground chambers, using an endoscopic camera. These treasures were originally unearthed in 1931 when a flood exposed royal sarcophagi but were hidden for safekeeping in 1939 as war loomed. The artefacts are linked to significant historical figures such as Alexander Jagiellon, Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland, and two queens, Elisabeth of Austria and Barbara Radziwiłł.
These royal families played a crucial role during the Polish Renaissance, and the regalia provide rare, tangible links to that important period in history. According to Mykolas Sotincenka of the Vilnius Archdiocese, such items are invaluable due to the scarcity of authentic objects from this time in Lithuania’s history.
Archbishop Gintaras Grušas hailed the regalia as “priceless historical treasures” and praised the craftsmanship involved. A 1939 newspaper wrapped around the artefacts confirms their wartime concealment, adding further intrigue to the discovery. As restoration and documentation efforts progress, the regalia are set to be displayed to the public later this year, offering a rare glimpse into Lithuania’s royal past.
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