Hidden Treasures of Vilnius Cathedral: A Glimpse into Lithuania’s Royal Past

Jewelry Found in Lithuanian Cathedral. Hidden Treasures of Vilnius Cathedral: A Glimpse into Lithuania’s Royal Past. News

Rediscovering Lithuania’s Lost Royal Treasures: The Incredible Journey of Priceless Artifacts from the Jagiellonian Dynasty, Hidden to Survive World War II, Lost for Over Eight Decades, and Finally Unearthed in a Historic 2024 Discovery. Photo Credits: Vilnius Archdiocese / Aistė Karpytė

Posted on January 29, 2025

Throughout history, museum workers, clergy, and historians have done everything possible to protect priceless items from destruction. The Nazi Party leadership has been known for their special interest in artworks which arose even before the war. It all began on an ideological basis as Hitler wanted to get rid of everything connected with the Weimar Republic art (1924–1930), which was strongly influenced by post-war modernism and the political and social upheaval of 1920s Germany.  Not only did he want to erase that period, but his idée fixe was to replenish German museums with artworks he considered appropriate. That is how it turned into an organized government policy where Nazi officers were encouraged to collect and supply art to Germany. During the war, art confiscations expanded across Europe, and every item that preserved historical or cultural significance had to be hidden to be saved from bombing or looting.

Lithuania During World War II: A Brief Context

Lithuania’s history during World War II was marked by occupation and upheaval. While the country was initially occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, it was later invaded by Nazi Germany in 1941. Many Lithuanians initially welcomed the Germans, hoping they would liberate the country from Soviet oppression. However, the occupation of this country wasn’t different from any other.

The war brought immense suffering and destruction, but it also intensified efforts to protect Lithuania’s cultural heritage. At the end of 2024, a remarkable discovery revealed how similar efforts were made to protect royal treasures — hidden for over 80 years.

A Royal Legacy Rediscovered

The cache of artifacts, hidden since 1939, includes various insignia belonging to Medieval European rulers. Eight years earlier, a spring flood followed a snowy winter and Vilnius was left struggling with rising waters. However, this natural disaster helped reveal a tomb with the remains of Lithuania’s elite in one of the cathedrals.

Elizabeth’s crown was found in the cache. Vilnius Archdiocese / Aistė Karpytė

The Jagiellons were a powerful family that reigned in Central and Eastern Europe between the 14th and 16th centuries. Among the treasures were items that belonged to Alexander Jagiellon, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, who ruled until his death in 1506. Before being crowned King of Poland in 1501, Alexander had already served as Grand Duke of Lithuania since 1492. At the time, these states had separate rulers despite their close political alliance.

Also, some pieces belonged to Alexander’s mother, Elizabeth of Austria, who lived in the 15th — the early 16th centuries. She was deeply religious, supported charitable works, and donated to building churches and monasteries. The pieces — Elizabeth’s crown, medallion, ring and coffin plaque — demonstrate the wealth of her times and her position as a major character in the story of the Jagiellonian dynasty.

Elizabeth’s crown was found in the cache. Vilnius Archdiocese / Aistė Karpytė

Another prominent individual to be represented among those discovered was Barbara Radziwiłł, whose crown, scepter, orb, and rings were discovered alongside the other artifacts. Barbara, who died in 1551, was the second wife of Sigismund II Augustus, the last male member of the Jagiellonian dynasty. Their marriage was secret and caused a political scandal as it wasn’t approved by the State. According to legend, Sigismund II Augustus was so heartbroken after Barbara’s death that he sought the help of alchemists and sorcerers to summon her spirit.

The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: A Shared Legacy

The discovered artifacts show the deep historical ties between Poland and Lithuania. In 1386, the marriage of Grand Duke Jogaila of Lithuania to Queen Jadwiga of Poland marked the beginning of a personal union between the two nations. This union evolved into the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1569, one of Europe’s largest and most powerful states at the time.

A beautifully crafted scepter was uncovered within the historic cathedral, hidden for centuries among its sacred halls. Vilnius Archdiocese / Aistė Karpytė

A Symbol of Resilience and Identity

These items are very important for the whole nation and every citizen as they are symbols of European identity, which show the strength and power of the ancestors.

After their initial discovery in 1931, the items were displayed before World War II began, when they had to be hidden. In terms of security, the place where these valuable items were stored wasn’t mentioned in any notes or documents; that is why researchers didn’t know the exact location of these historical pieces. The team tried several times to locate the artifacts until, at the end of 2024, they used an endoscope, which turned out to be a gamechanger. The researchers found everything they were looking for, all the treasures, safe and sound covered in newspapers issued in Sep. 1939.

The artifacts will be carefully examined and restored before being displayed for the public.

The artifacts will be displayed after restoration at the Church Heritage Museum in Vilnius. Vilnius Archdiocese / Aistė Karpytė