The discovery of a hidden cache of royal regalia in Vilnius Cathedral has captivated historians and medievalists, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Found last month, the treasure includes crowns, scepters, orbs, and other regalia once intended for the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers. Hidden in 1939 to protect them from the looming threat of World War II, these artifacts remained concealed for over 80 years until their recent unearthing.
Presented to the public during a press conference earlier this week, the artifacts were described as “priceless treasures” by Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of the Vilnius Archdiocese. “These burial insignia of the monarchs of Lithuania and Poland are magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewelry. They symbolize a long-standing tradition of Lithuanian statehood and Vilnius’s role as a cultural and political center,” Grušas said.
Photo courtesy Lithuania’s Department of Cultural Heritage (KPD)
Vidmantas Bezaras, Director of Lithuania’s Department of Cultural Heritage (KPD), called the discovery “one of the greatest in the history of today’s heritage protection,” adding, “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.”
The treasure includes a remarkable collection of burial insignia and votive offerings spanning the Middle Ages and early modern periods. Among the highlights are:
Crown of Alexander Jagiellon (†1506): A silver-gilded crown, crafted in 1506, symbolizing his dual role as Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland.
Rings of Alexander Jagiellon: Two gold rings with turquoise, found beneath his skull and believed to have been placed there by his wife, Helena.
Crown of Barbara Radziwiłł (†1551): A silver-gilded crown, crafted during her brief and tumultuous reign as queen consort.
Orb and Scepter of Barbara Radziwiłł: Regal symbols of her authority, adorned with intricate gilding.
Crown of Elisabeth of Austria (†1545): A silver-gilded crown reflecting her role in uniting the Habsburg and Jagiellonian dynasties.
Plaques from St. Casimir’s Chapel: Elaborate silver plaques from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, showcasing Baroque artistry.
In total, 59 artifacts were catalogued, including medallions, chains, and coffin plaques. These treasures reflect not only the personal regalia of the rulers but also the vibrant religious and cultural practices of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
The artifacts were found on December 16, 2024, following months of meticulous investigation. The search began earlier in 2024 when the Department of Cultural Heritage initiated a series of meetings and inspections at Vilnius Cathedral. Guided by archival documents, interwar schematics, and witness accounts, specialists focused on cracks and cavities in the cathedral’s crypts.
Photo by Vilnius Archdiocese / Aistė Karpytė
On November 4, 2024, a preliminary inspection revealed evidence of possible hiding places, but it wasn’t until December 16 that a breakthrough occurred. During an inspection using endoscopic cameras, a loose brick was found in the passage between the Middle Crypt and the Chapter Crypt. Upon removal, it revealed a gap large enough for a hand to reach inside, exposing a hidden chamber filled with treasures. For security reasons, the valuables were carefully removed the same day, documented, and transported to a secure location.
The discovery of royal regalia in Vilnius Cathedral was accompanied by several challenges and controversies. In August 2024, Saulius Poderis, an art historian and restorer previously convicted for purchasing looted artifacts obtained through “black archaeology,” claimed to have identified the location of the hidden insignia. He reported his findings to Church officials and the Department of Cultural Heritage (KPD), but his involvement raised ethical concerns due to his past activities.
Photo by Vilnius Archdiocese / Aistė Karpytė
Despite these concerns, the KPD proceeded with formal investigations. In October 2024, a meeting was convened with representatives from the Vilnius Archdiocese, the Ministry of Culture, and the Palace of the Grand Dukes Museum to discuss the situation. The Archdiocese and the museum representatives expressed reluctance to collaborate with Poderis, citing his previous conviction and unauthorized research activities. Consequently, they decided to expedite official searches to ensure the protection of the cathedral’s crypts.
Photo by Vilnius Archdiocese / Aistė Karpytė
When the official search team discovered the hidden regalia, procedural missteps occurred as the Vilnius Archdiocese failed to notify the KPD within the legally required timeframe after the artifacts’ removal. Vidmantas Bezaras, Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, acknowledged this issue, stating, “The joy of the discovery was somewhat darkened by some misunderstandings, but, it is to be hoped, they will dissipate in the near future.”
The situation escalated into a public outcry and criticism of the Church. Poderis accused the Archdiocese of “intellectual theft” for excluding him from the discovery announcement. In response, a Church official stated that Poderis was not included due to his dubious reputation stemming from past involvement in illicit archaeological activities.
Photo by Vilnius Archdiocese / Aistė Karpytė
These artifacts are more than objects of beauty; they are a window into Lithuania’s medieval history and its role in the broader European context. The crowns, orbs, and scepters symbolize the unity and power of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a state that shaped the region during the Middle Ages. “The discovery strengthens Vilnius’s image as a state and cultural center,” Bezaras said. “It is a testament to our rich heritage and the need to continue exploring and preserving it.”
The treasures are now undergoing restoration and will be displayed in future exhibitions at the Church Heritage Museum. Plans are also underway to register the items in the Cultural Heritage Register, ensuring their protection for generations to come.
The discovery of a hidden cache of royal regalia in Vilnius Cathedral has captivated historians and medievalists, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Found last month, the treasure includes crowns, scepters, orbs, and other regalia once intended for the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers. Hidden in 1939 to protect them from the looming threat of World War II, these artifacts remained concealed for over 80 years until their recent unearthing.
Presented to the public during a press conference earlier this week, the artifacts were described as “priceless treasures” by Archbishop Gintaras Grušas of the Vilnius Archdiocese. “These burial insignia of the monarchs of Lithuania and Poland are magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewelry. They symbolize a long-standing tradition of Lithuanian statehood and Vilnius’s role as a cultural and political center,” Grušas said.
Vidmantas Bezaras, Director of Lithuania’s Department of Cultural Heritage (KPD), called the discovery “one of the greatest in the history of today’s heritage protection,” adding, “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.”
The treasure includes a remarkable collection of burial insignia and votive offerings spanning the Middle Ages and early modern periods. Among the highlights are:
In total, 59 artifacts were catalogued, including medallions, chains, and coffin plaques. These treasures reflect not only the personal regalia of the rulers but also the vibrant religious and cultural practices of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
The artifacts were found on December 16, 2024, following months of meticulous investigation. The search began earlier in 2024 when the Department of Cultural Heritage initiated a series of meetings and inspections at Vilnius Cathedral. Guided by archival documents, interwar schematics, and witness accounts, specialists focused on cracks and cavities in the cathedral’s crypts.
On November 4, 2024, a preliminary inspection revealed evidence of possible hiding places, but it wasn’t until December 16 that a breakthrough occurred. During an inspection using endoscopic cameras, a loose brick was found in the passage between the Middle Crypt and the Chapter Crypt. Upon removal, it revealed a gap large enough for a hand to reach inside, exposing a hidden chamber filled with treasures. For security reasons, the valuables were carefully removed the same day, documented, and transported to a secure location.
The discovery of royal regalia in Vilnius Cathedral was accompanied by several challenges and controversies. In August 2024, Saulius Poderis, an art historian and restorer previously convicted for purchasing looted artifacts obtained through “black archaeology,” claimed to have identified the location of the hidden insignia. He reported his findings to Church officials and the Department of Cultural Heritage (KPD), but his involvement raised ethical concerns due to his past activities.
Despite these concerns, the KPD proceeded with formal investigations. In October 2024, a meeting was convened with representatives from the Vilnius Archdiocese, the Ministry of Culture, and the Palace of the Grand Dukes Museum to discuss the situation. The Archdiocese and the museum representatives expressed reluctance to collaborate with Poderis, citing his previous conviction and unauthorized research activities. Consequently, they decided to expedite official searches to ensure the protection of the cathedral’s crypts.
When the official search team discovered the hidden regalia, procedural missteps occurred as the Vilnius Archdiocese failed to notify the KPD within the legally required timeframe after the artifacts’ removal. Vidmantas Bezaras, Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage, acknowledged this issue, stating, “The joy of the discovery was somewhat darkened by some misunderstandings, but, it is to be hoped, they will dissipate in the near future.”
The situation escalated into a public outcry and criticism of the Church. Poderis accused the Archdiocese of “intellectual theft” for excluding him from the discovery announcement. In response, a Church official stated that Poderis was not included due to his dubious reputation stemming from past involvement in illicit archaeological activities.
These artifacts are more than objects of beauty; they are a window into Lithuania’s medieval history and its role in the broader European context. The crowns, orbs, and scepters symbolize the unity and power of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a state that shaped the region during the Middle Ages. “The discovery strengthens Vilnius’s image as a state and cultural center,” Bezaras said. “It is a testament to our rich heritage and the need to continue exploring and preserving it.”
The treasures are now undergoing restoration and will be displayed in future exhibitions at the Church Heritage Museum. Plans are also underway to register the items in the Cultural Heritage Register, ensuring their protection for generations to come.
Subscribe to Medievalverse
Related Posts