There was a crown, a scepter, an orb, three rings, a chain, and coffin plaques linked to Barbara Radziwiłł, also known as Barbora Radvilaitė. She wed Sigismund II Augustus, or Žygimantas Augustas, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, and passed away in 1551.
“The discovered burial insignia of the monarchs of Lithuania and Poland are priceless historical treasures, symbols of the long tradition of Lithuanian statehood, signs of Vilnius as the capital city, and magnificent works of goldsmithing and jewelry,” stated Vilnius Archbishop Gintaras Grušas in a communication released by the Vilnius Archdiocese to CNN.
These artifacts would have been placed within the sarcophagi of the royals during their interment, and the crowns would not have been worn but crafted posthumously to be part of the burial tomb, according to the statement.
“This mirrors the burial and honoring customs of the era,” added the statement. “This find is especially significant for our statehood, pinpointing Vilnius Cathedral as the final resting place of the elite of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.”
After restoration, the artifacts will be showcased. – Go Vilnius
“These symbols hold significance for both the State and each individual, serving as markers of European identity, a rekindled identity of the ancient State, and a testament to the resilience of our heritage,” remarked Rita Pauliukevičiūtė, director of the Vilnius Church Heritage Museum, within the Archdiocese’s statement.
Originally discovered in 1931 during the cathedral’s cleaning after a spring flood, a crypt was unveiled containing the rulers’ remains. They were exhibited until the outbreak of World War II in 1939, at which point they were concealed. Following numerous unsuccessful searches, researchers refocused on the crypts in September 2024. Using an endoscopic camera, the artifacts were eventually recovered in December, wrapped in newspapers dated September 1939.
“They will be inspected, restored, and eventually unveiled to the public,” per the archdiocese.
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