The stunning funeral crown of Alexander Jagiellon, who was King of Poland from 1501 – 1506 (Image: Aistė Karpytė / Archdiocese of Vilnius)
It sounds like the plot of an Indiana Jones film, but a real life archaeological mystery has been solved after historians discovered a host of royal treasures hidden from the Nazis.
crowns and priceless items belonging to monarchs who ruled Poland and Lithuania more than 500 years ago have now seen the light of day once more.
The dazzling royal treasure was sealed inside the Catholic cathedral by the clergy as they feared the outbreak of war and Nazi invasion in 1939.
Photographs released by the Archdiocese of Vilnius show the incredible items found in the walls, which included a funeral crown belonging to King Alexander Jagiellon, who ruled Poland from 1501 until his death in 1506.
Other fascinating finds include a royal sceptre, another crown and an orb and royal cross. A newspaper which was used the wrap the precious objects shows the date September 7, 1939, just four days after Britain declared war on Germany for the invasion of Poland.
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The crown and other priceless treasures were hidden in the walls (Image: Aistė Karpytė/ Archdiocese of Vilnius )
Vidmantas Bezaras, Director of Lithuania’s Department of Cultural Heritage (KPD), said the discovery of the royal treasure was “one of the greatest” in his country’s history.
He said: “What generations of historians and heritage enthusiasts have dreamed of has now come true.
“This discovery enriches our understanding of Lithuania’s history, strengthens our sense of statehood, and allows us to present this remarkable history to visitors from around the world.”
In all, 59 artefacts have now been catalogued, including coins, chains, crowns, medallions and coffin plaques.
Gintaras Grušas, Archbishop of Lithuanian capital Vilnius, added: “The discovered burial regalia of Lithuanian and Polish rulers are invaluable historical treasures, symbols of Lithuania’s long tradition of statehood, markers of Vilnius as its capital, and magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewelry.”
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A royal sceptre found hidden in the walls of the cathedral (Image: Aistė Karpytė/ Vilnius Archdiocese )
During World War II, Hitler’s forces invaded Lithuania after declaring war on the Soviet Union, with Nazi troops occupying the country from June 22, 1941, until January 28, 1945.
According the the Medievalists.net, some of the exciting finds inside the cathedral were as follows:
- Crown of Alexander Jagiellon, symbolising his rule as Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland.
- Rings of Alexander Jagiellon, two gold rings found beneath the King Jagiellon’s skull, thought to have been placed their by his wife, Helena.
- Crown of Barbara Radziwill, who served as a queen consort.
- Orb and sceptre of Barbara Radziwill
- Crown of Elisabeth of Austria
In a press release from the local tourism agency Go Vilinus, it said: “The crypts of Vilnius Cathedral have unveiled an extraordinary treasure: the burial crowns and insignia of Lithuanian-Polish rulers.
“Presented for the first time this week, these precious artifacts, hidden since the outbreak of World War II in 1939, are currently being meticulously restored by the Church Heritage Museum and are expected to be exhibited to the public by the end of this year.
“This discovery offers a rare opportunity to delve into their historical significance, as the crypts reveal centuries-old secrets, from ancient frescoes to the resting places of prominent historical figures, bridging Lithuania’s pagan past and Christian heritage.”