Prague Castle displays Bohemian crown jewels

The Bohemian Crown Jewels are part of the national cultural heritage of the neighboring Czech Republic and are rarely brought to light. For less than two weeks, visitors now have the opportunity to see the precious masterpieces of the jeweler's and goldsmith's art with their own eyes in the original. The show is initially only open to schools, then from this Thursday (September 18) to the general public. Admission is free of charge.

Seven high dignitaries, who traditionally hold the keys, including President Petr Pavel and the Archbishop of Prague, Jan Graubner, came together to bring out the precious pieces. The glittering regalia include the Wenceslas crown from 1346, the orb and sceptre as well as a coronation mantle. The exhibition in the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle ends on September 29. The crown jewels will then be returned to the treasury in St. Vitus Cathedral.

Dramatic moments in the Second World War

A related exhibition entitled "Treasure in the Darkness" deals with the dramatic fate of the crown jewels in the period shortly before and during the Second World War. In the face of German threats, they were hidden in a secret operation in Zilina in the Slovakian part of Czechoslovakia in September 1938. However, when Slovakia proclaimed its independence on October 6, 1938 and became a German puppet state, the crown jewels were brought back to Prague.

The transport crate from that time has been preserved and is on display. After the German invasion of Prague in March 1939, the National Socialist rulers seized most of the keys to the treasury. The treasures were later walled up in cellars due to the danger of air raids. Despite all the adversity, the Bohemian Crown Jewels ultimately survived the war unscathed.