Treasures hidden during World War II have been discovered.

For decades, hidden historical treasures have been uncovered in the cathedral's crypts, including burial crowns and symbols belonging to medieval European rulers. This was reported by CNN.

Among the artifacts are a crown, a chain, a medallion, a ring, and a tomb plaque that belonged to the Austrian Elizabeth (1436-1505). Also discovered were a crown, a scepter, an apple, three rings, a chain, and tomb plaques of Barbara Radziwiłł, the wife of the Polish king and Grand Duke of Lithuania Sigismund II Augustus (who died in 1551).

The Archbishop of Vilnius, Gintaras Grušas, stated to CNN: “The discovered burial symbols of Lithuanian and Polish rulers are an invaluable historical treasure, symbolizing the long history of Lithuanian statehood, the significance of Vilnius as a capital, and the magnificence of gold and jewelry art.”

The artifacts were intended to be placed in the sarcophagi during the rulers' burials, and the crowns were not worn during their lifetimes; they were created as part of the burial ritual, as noted in the statement.

The artifacts were first found in 1931 when the cathedral was being cleaned, and a spring flood revealed the remains of the rulers in the crypt beneath the cathedral. They were put on display but were removed after the onset of World War II in 1939.