A gold medallion, part of the burial regalia of a medieval ruler of Lithuania-Poland
(Image credit: Aistė Karpytė, Vilnius Archdiocese)
A gold scepter from a cache of regalia discovered in the wall of Vilnius Cathedral
“The discovered burial insignia of the monarchs of Lithuania and Poland are priceless historical treasures,” Vilnius Archbishop Gintaras Grušas said in the statement, and are “magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewellery.”
A newspaper dated September 1939 was wrapped around the royal accessories before they were hidden in a niche under a staircase in the Vilnius Cathedral crypt. Although experts knew from historical records that this cache of precious objects existed, it took several attempts over the years to find it.
“These symbols are important both for the State and for each of us,” Rita Pauliukevičiūtė, director of the Vilnius Church Heritage Museum, said in the statement, “as a sign of the strength of our roots.”
Lithuania has few authentic artifacts from this important historical period, Sotincenka said, so the rediscovery of the royal regalia in the Vilnius Cathedral proves that this was the burial ground for the elite of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
The treasures have been documented and cataloged, but they will undergo restoration before being displayed publicly later this year.
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Publish date : 2025-01-08 16:01:00
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