A royal treasure that went missing during World War II has been found in a cathedral after more than 80 years. What does it contain and how was it discovered? The story behind this find is as fascinating as the jewels it hides.
A treasure missing since the dark days of Second World War has finally been unraveled. Hidden for more than eight decades, the set of insignia and funeral wreaths, which belonged to Polish and Lithuanian monarchs, was discovered in Vilnius Cathedral, in Lithuania.
The announcement, made by the agency Go to Vilnius, revealed that the artifacts were originally hidden in 1939, when war threatened to destroy or loot heritage sites historical.
Among the items is the crown of Alexander Jagiellon, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, who lived between 1461 and 1506. The discovery rekindles Lithuania's historical connection with the ancient union between the two countries.
- Once Considered Extinct by Scientists — Now This Is One of the Most Protected Trees in the World
- Scientists develop nanotechnology dressings that fight bacteria and speed healing
- Swiss company creates world's largest atmospheric water plant — capable of generating 250.000 liters of air humidity per day
- The world's fastest moving continent could collide with Asia and change everything we know!
Artifacts reveal medieval mastery
Funeral insignia are a testament to the high level of skill of medieval craftsmen. According to Gintaras Grušas, Archbishop of Vilnius, these items reinforce the cultural and political importance of Lithuania during the Middle Ages.
Among the artifacts are crowns, scepters, orbs and coffin plates, made to symbolize the greatness of the rulers.
The collection also includes pieces linked to Elizabeth of Austria, wife of King Casimir IV, and Barbara Radziwiłł, who was married to Sigismund II Augustus.
However, these jewels were not intended for everyday use. They were created exclusively to adorn royal tombs, a common practice in European funeral rites at the time.
In addition to their historical significance, the objects are unique pieces of sacred art. The crowns, made for the eternal resting place of rulers, reveal meticulous details and rich symbolism.
The cathedral, which served as a necropolis for the nobility of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, has once again become the center of attention of historians.
Mystery solved after 85 years
The story behind these artifacts is as intriguing as the items themselves. In 1931, during a cleanup of the cathedral following flooding, the crypt where the treasures were hidden was discovered.
They were exposed for a short period, until the uncertainties brought by the war forced their concealment.
Efforts to locate the treasure began again in the mid-2000s. Modern equipment such as ground-penetrating radar and metal detectors were used in various searches.
Even so, the results only came in September of last year, when researchers, with authorization from the archdiocese, resumed investigations at the site.
The reappearance of this treasure is a victory for the preservation of historical heritage. It connects the present with a past marked by the complex history of Eastern Europe, involving political alliances, disputes and traditions that shaped the region's identity.
With the discovery, Vilnius Cathedral reaffirms its role as guardian of precious relics, and the mystery that lasted almost a century finally finds its conclusion.