A group of 15th and 16th century artifacts related to the Jagiellonian dynasty and its royal officials have been discovered in Vilnius Cathedral, a famous Catholic site in Lithuania. This dynasty ruled the territories of Lithuania and Poland during a period of cultural change in Central Europe, a period of economic growth.
It is believed that the artifacts were hidden by unknown sources in 1939 at the beginning of World War II. Last December, researchers discovered in the cathedral archives documents related to Alexander Jagiellon (reigned 1501-1506) and Sigismund Augustus (reigned 1548-1572). Related metal crowns, scepters and medals.
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Unlike other Baltic states, Lithuania retained a largely Catholic identity after Soviet-era rule, regaining independence in 1990 and joining the European Union in 2004. Later, the country’s officials tried to establish greater attractiveness to Lithuania, with the capital, Vilnius, being a focal point for tourism.
The discovered objects are now protected and may play a role in boosting cultural tourism in Lithuania. The Archdiocese of Vilnius and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage jointly agreed to support official research into the collection.
According to data released by the government, the country welcomed a tourism peak of 1.8 million tourists in 2018. Lithuanian institutions are now developing a strategy for increasing the number of tourists to 2030, with Vilnius as the centerpiece.
“This discovery establishes a tangible connection with the history of the region and the lasting legacy of the Jagiellonian dynasty,” Rita Pauliukevičiūtė, director of the Vilnius Church Heritage Museum, said in a statement announcing the research work.
(The estimated value of the artifacts and a timetable for future displays or loans have not been disclosed.)
