Royal treasures of World War II found in Lithuania (photos)

Historical treasures that could not be found for decades were found in the crypts of Vilnius Cathedral in Lithuania. Among them are funeral crowns and other insignia belonging to medieval European monarchs.

According to the Go Helsinki travel agency, the cathedral's crypt has not been opened since the outbreak of World War II. The artifacts were first discovered in 1931 during the cleaning of the cathedral after a flood. However, after 1939, they were hidden and remained inaccessible to researchers. This is reported by CNN.

Among the items found is the crown of Alexander Jagiellon, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, who ruled in the XV-XVI centuries. Artifacts belonging to Elizabeth of Austria were also discovered, including a crown, medallion, chain, and coffin board. Another find is the funeral paraphernalia of Barbara Radziwill, the wife of Sigismund II Augustus. Among her belongings were a crown, a scepter, a sovereign, several rings, and coffin boards.

Archbishop Gintaras Grusas of Vilnius emphasized that these finds are invaluable treasures that symbolize the ancient traditions of Lithuanian statehood and are works of jewelry art.

According to Rita Pauliukevičiūtė, director of the Vilnius Church Heritage Museum, the artifacts are of particular importance for Lithuania's historical heritage. They not only emphasize the role of Vilnius as a necropolis of the elite of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, but also remind us of the country's European identity.

Interestingly, these funeral crowns were not worn by monarchs but were created specifically for their tombs. The finds were discovered in September 2024 using an endoscopic camera. The artifacts were found wrapped in newspapers dating back to 1939. After restoration, they are planned to be presented to the public.

As a reminder, archaeologists have found a square dating back to the era of Ancient Rome in Spain.

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