President Petr Pavel has decided to display the Bohemian crown jewels every year on the occasion of Czech Statehood Day, which is celebrated on the Day of St Wenceslas, the nation’s patron saint, and falls on September 28. This year, the jewels will be exhibited from 17 to 30 September, the presidential office has informed.
The crown jewels, one of Czechia’s most prized historical artefacts, include the Saint Wenceslas Crown, which was originally made for Charles IV’s coronation in the 14th century, the royal orb and sceptre, the coronation vestments of the kings of Bohemia, a gold reliquary cross, and the sword of St. Wenceslas.
The crown jewels have been displayed at Prague Castle only eight times since the establishment of the independent Czech Republic. Twice under Václav Havel and Václav Klaus, four times under Miloš Zeman, and most recently last January on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the modern Czech state.
Author: Ruth Fraňková