Under a Lithuanian cathedral, crowns and sceptres were found concealed within the walls.

Photo credit (Freepik)

Recently, under a Vilnius cathedral, crowns, jewels, and a sceptre belonging to royal members of the former Poland-Lithuania commonwealth were discovered hidden behind loose stones.

The artefacts, which were hidden away for protection prior to World War II, were referred to as “priceless historical treasures” and show how closely the two nations were united.

Polish news reports that the search for the missing royal riches started ten years ago. The Archdiocese of Lithuania was aware that the objects were located in the Vilnius Cathedral’s underground level, but they were unsure of the precise location.

Last October, experts from the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Museum came for an endoscopic camera survey and found the jewels beneath a stairway, concealed behind mediaeval stonework. January 6th marked the announcement of the discovery.

At the time, Gintaras Grušas, the Archbishop Metropolitan of Vilnius, informed reporters, “The found insignia are priceless historical treasures: symbols of Lithuania’s long tradition of statehood, symbols of Vilnius as the capital city, and magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewellery.”

Vilnius Archdiocese is credited.
Among them was the funerary crown of Alexander Jagellion, who from 1501 to 1506 served as both the Grand Duke of Lithuania and the King of Poland. The crown was carved for the man’s eventual entombment rather than for him while he was alive.

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The first and second wives of another king/grand duke, Sigismund II Augustus, were Barbara Radziwiłł and Elisabeth of Austria, whose sceptre, orb, rings, chains, and medallions were also included.

Elisabeth was a member of the Hapsburg family, which for centuries was one of the most powerful and enduring royal dynasties in northern Europe, along with the Jagellion dynasty.