16th-Century Royal Burial Regalia Rediscovered in Lithuania's Vilnius Cathedral

Artifacts hidden during World War II, including crowns and insignia of Polish-Lithuanian monarchs, were recovered from a crypt after nearly 85 years.

The regalia, belonging to monarchs Alexander Jagiellon, Elisabeth of Austria, and Barbara Radziwiłł, were hidden in 1939 to protect them from the war.
Items include crowns, scepters, rings, chains, medallions, and coffin plaques, showcasing exceptional goldsmith craftsmanship.
The artifacts were first uncovered during restoration work in 1931 but were concealed as World War II began, wrapped in newspapers from September 1939.
Rediscovered in December 2024 using endoscopic cameras, the treasures highlight the historical and cultural legacy of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland.
The regalia are undergoing documentation and restoration and will be displayed to the public later this year, emphasizing their significance as symbols of European identity and Lithuanian statehood.