Historical treasures long concealed have been uncovered in the crypts of Vilnius Cathedral, including burial crowns and insignia belonging to medieval European rulers. This treasure trove, which has not been seen since the outbreak of World War II in 1939, was revealed in a press release from Go Vilnius tourism agency on Wednesday.
Among the items discovered is a crown belonging to Alexander Jagiellon (also known as Aleksandras Jogailaitis), King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, who reigned from 1461 to 1506. Other artifacts include a crown, chain, medallion, ring, and coffin plaque belonging to Elizabeth of Austria (Elžbieta Habsburgaitė), who lived from 1436 to 1505.
The discovery also includes a crown, scepter, orb, three rings, a chain, and coffin plaques associated with Barbara Radziwiłł (Barbora Radvilaitė), the wife of Sigismund II Augustus, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, who passed away in 1551.
“The burial insignia of Lithuania and Poland’s monarchs are priceless historical treasures. They symbolize Lithuania’s long-standing statehood, the significance of Vilnius as the capital, and represent exceptional goldsmithing and jewelry craftsmanship,” said Vilnius Archbishop Gintaras Grušas in a statement to CNN.
These artifacts, which were likely placed in the sarcophagi of the royals at the time of their burial, were not worn but created posthumously as part of the royal tombs. “This reflects the burial and honor practices of the era,” the statement explains. “This discovery is particularly significant for our national identity, as it reaffirms Vilnius Cathedral as the necropolis for the elite of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.”
“These symbols are important for both the state and each of us, representing European identity, the reclaimed legacy of our ancient state, and the strength of our cultural roots,” said Rita Pauliukevičiūtė, director of the Vilnius Church Heritage Museum.
The treasures were first discovered in 1931 when the cathedral was being cleaned after a spring flood, revealing a crypt containing the remains of the rulers. These artifacts were put on display but hidden again when World War II broke out in 1939. After several unsuccessful searches, researchers turned their attention to the crypts in September 2024. Using an endoscopic camera, the items were finally recovered in December, wrapped in newspapers dated September 1939.
The artifacts will now undergo examination, restoration, and will be displayed to the public in the future, according to the Vilnius Archdiocese.
