Regalia of three Polish-Lithuanian monarchs discovered in dungeon of Vilnius Cathedral

Hidden treasure containing burial regalia of Polish and Lithuanian rulers Alexander, Elizabeth and Barbara was discovered in the dungeon of Vilnius Cathedral.

A press conference was held on Monday, 6 January, concerning the discovery of the crown of the Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland Alexander, the crown, necklace, medallion, ring and casket plate of Queen of Poland Elizabeth of Austria (Elžbieta Habsburgaitė) and the crown, sceptre, royal orb, three rings, necklace and two casket plates of Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania Barbara Radziwiłł (Barbora Radvilaitė).

According to Archbishop of Vilnius Gintaras Grušas, the hideaway was unsealed on 16 December 2024. Royal regalia were concealed at the start of the Second World War in 1939.

The archbishop said the crowns were made after the deaths of the rulers as grave goods.