In a significant historical discovery, burial crowns and other royal regalia belonging to Lithuanian and Polish rulers have been found in the crypts of Vilnius Cathedral. The items were unearthed on December 16, 2024, from a hidden chamber sealed during the outbreak of World War II in 1939.
The artifacts include the crown of Alexander Jagiellon, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (1461–1506), along with other regalia such as a chain, medallion, ring, and coffin plaque belonging to Elizabeth of Austria (1436–1505), wife of Casimir IV Jagiellon. Additionally, a collection of items from Barbara Radziwiłł (1520/1523–1551), wife of Sigismund II Augustus, including a crown, sceptre, apple of power, rings, chain, and coffin tablets, were also discovered.
“These crowns were made posthumously to be part of the rulers’ tombs,” stated Vilnius Archbishop Metropolitan Gintaras Grušas, emphasizing their historical and cultural significance. He added that the treasures will be examined, restored, and eventually presented to the public.
The relics are viewed as priceless symbols of Lithuania’s historical statehood and its heritage as the capital city. Mykolas Juozapavičius, an economist with the Vilnius Archdiocese, explained that the chamber had been identified in 1985, but its full contents were only recently explored. The discovery was facilitated by an endoscopic camera survey conducted by specialists from the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Museum.
Despite several searches since Lithuania regained independence, the burial site of Vytautas the Great remains elusive. However, the newly found insignia offer a profound connection to the country’s regal past and are expected to become a focal point of historical interest.
This discovery marks a remarkable chapter in the ongoing exploration of Lithuania’s royal history and its enduring legacy.
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