In 1939, as World War II loomed, a collection of Lithuanian and Polish royal treasures—crowns, rings, medallions, and a scepter—was hastily hidden in a crypt beneath Vilnius Cathedral. These items, including insignia from rulers like Alexander Jagiellon and Sigismund Augustus, remained concealed for nearly 90 years.
In December 2024, researchers uncovering cracks in the cathedral’s vaults found the lost trove. Among the items were royal crowns and burial artifacts, including coffin plates, rings, and crosses. Archbishop Gintaras Grušas hailed the discovery as a priceless testament to Lithuania’s royal history and craftsmanship.
The treasures were first discovered in 1931, but with the threat of war, they were sealed in a crypt. Despite numerous search attempts, the exact location remained unknown—until 2023, when art historian Saulius Poderis provided crucial clues. A team of researchers, using historical drawings and an endoscopic camera, located and retrieved the objects.
Now undergoing examination and restoration, the relics will be displayed to the public later this year, marking a significant moment in Lithuania’s historical preservation.
