Symbols of the power of the Czech kings: the crown of St. Wenceslas, the royal scepter and the apple. Leather cases for them, a pillow for the crown and a coronation cloak.
The crown of St. Wenceslas was made for the coronation of Charles IV as King of Bohemia in 1347.
This is the fourth oldest crown in Europe. Made of gold and weighs 2.5 kilograms. Set with 96 precious stones including sapphires, emeralds and pearls.
The cross is hollow and is believed to contain a saint’s relic – a thorn from the crown of Christ, which King Charles IV managed to obtain. There is much speculation as to whether the thorn is still there.
Bohemian Crown Treasures Photo: EPA, MARTIN DIVISEK
The priceless treasures of the Bohemian Crown are stored in the Cathedral of Wit, a special Crown room that is actually a safe. The room is secured with seven locks.
The keys are kept by the highest officials of the country. Treasures from the Crown Room can only be retrieved if all seven key holders meet.
Earlier this week, the keepers of the keys gathered to open the doors and remove the relics. They are the President and Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, the Speakers of both Chambers of Parliament, the Archbishop of Prague, the Dean of the Chapter of St. Vitus and the Mayor of Prague.
The Bohemian crown is also protected by a legend that says that any usurper who dares to wear the crown will die within a year.
The legend was given new strength by rumors that during the Second World War, the governor of the Nazi regime, Reinhard Heydrich, had secretly tried on the crown and less than a year later he was killed by members of the Czech resistance movement.
The crown jewels are rarely shown. Along with the jewels of the monarchs, the skull of the defender of the Czech nation – St. Wenceslaus – is also on display this time.
The exhibition is also made special by the fact that the relics can be viewed for the first time since 1955 directly in the St. Vitus Cathedral. They show for only five days (January 17-21), and people rush to take advantage of this opportunity.
“I teach fourth-grade students. We will soon have lessons on the history of our homeland. That’s why I brought the children so that they can see our history up close,” says the teacher.
The decision to display the relics was made by Czech President Miloš Zeman, whose term of office is ending.
This exhibition marks the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of the Czech Republic. After the collapse of the USSR and the fall of the Iron Curtain, on January 1, 1993, Czechoslovakia split into two independent countries – the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
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