In the basement of the Vilnius Cathedral, a hidden place was discovered with the markings of the graves of the rulers of Lithuania and Poland. The archbishop of Vilnius Metropolitan Gintaras Grushas announced that the coat of arms of the King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania Alexander Jagiellon was discovered.
“The discovered tombstones of the rulers of Lithuania and Poland are priceless historical treasures, symbols of the long-standing traditions of Lithuanian statehood, signs of Vilnius as the capital, and wonderful works of jewelry,” said the archbishop of the Metropolitan of Vilnius, Archbishop Gintaras Grush. Dushanbe at the press conference.
The following were found: the funeral crown of Alexander Jagiellon and the funeral crown, chain, medallion, ring and coffin plaque of Elisabeth of Habsburg, as well as the funeral crown, royal scepter, three rings, chain and two coffin plaques. Barbara Radzivilovna.
Marks of hidden graves of Lithuanian and Polish rulers found in Vilnius Cathedral Valdemar Dovejko/PAP/EPA
– These crowns were not worn during the lifetime of rulers. Archbishop Gruzas said they were made after their deaths and were part of the grave markers. He added that now they are restored and will be exhibited in the future.
In 1939, shortly after the outbreak of World War II, when the church was threatened with closure, the treasures were hidden. After the independence of Lithuania, several search efforts were made. This cache was found and opened on December 16 last year.
Main photo credit: Valdemar Dovejko/PAP/EPA
