Discover the Enchanting Golden Reliquary of Saint Maurus: A Hidden Gem in Czechia!
Like a Scene from a Movie: The Quest for a Golden Treasure
Back in 1984, American Danny Douglas made an intriguing proposition to the officials of Czechoslovakia. He offered to export a precious but vaguely defined artefact for the sum of 250,000 dollars. This unexpected offer caught the attention of the prevailing security agencies, triggering a series of events that ultimately led to the revelation of a long-lost treasure, concealed beneath the wooden floorboards of the chapel located within Bečov Castle.
CELEBRATING TREASURE DISCOVERY: Commemorating the 40th anniversary of this remarkable discovery, celebrations will peak on 23 August 2025 during the nationwide event, Castle and Chateau Night. Guests will also enjoy the Maurus Wine Festival, set to occur in the local gardens.
How Was the Reliquary Discovered in Bečov?
Thanks to the tireless work of the criminal police and perhaps also due to surveillance on the enigmatic Danny Douglas, they discovered that the coveted artefact might be located in Bečov nad Teplou. This site had historical ties to the illustrious noble family of Beaufort-Spontin, who were forced to leave their residence in the Czech lands in a hurry at the end of World War II. This was no small object to transport, as the reliquary was finally unveiled on 5 November 1985.
DAN BROWN’S INTRIGUING NOVEL: Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, has been chosen as a backdrop for the upcoming book, The Secret of Secrets (2025) by renowned author Dan Brown, famous for his bestselling works like The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. The literary giant will release this new title on 9 September 2025, and is anticipated to present his book in person in the Czech capital.
A Poisonous Tooth from a Prehistoric Fish
Following its discovery, an extensive 12-year restoration process initiated. The restorers utilized original materials (not to be missed is the documentary featuring the principal restorers, which is accessible at the permanent exhibition). However, due to its deteriorated state, the original oak core was swapped out for fresh walnut wood, which visitors can observe firsthand.
This masterpiece of early Romanesque goldsmithing is embellished with reliefs and fourteen gilded silver statuettes, along with a variety of precious and semi-precious stones, ancient gems, filigree work, and enamels. One particularly fascinating feature is a stone that is actually the tooth of a prehistoric fish, believed to offer protection against poisoning.
The Reliquary of Saint Maurus was initially crafted between 1225 and 1230 at the Florennes Monastery in Belgium. It was designed to honor the relics of saints, originally associated with Saint John the Baptist and later enriched with relics of Saints Maurus, Timothy, and Apollinaris.
Where Is Bečov nad Teplou? Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Krušné Mountains, Bečov nad Teplou is located just around 25 kilometers to the south of Karlovy Vary, one of Czechia’s most renowned spa towns. Its strategic location makes it an ideal spot for a journey that combines relaxation with a dive into history, perfectly complementing the famous spa towns within the golden triangle of West Bohemia.
Crown Jewels and Other Remarkable Treasures in Czechia
Among the other noteworthy treasures found in Czechia are the royal crown jewels, which comprise the St. Wenceslas Crown, a royal orb, a sceptre, and a coronation robe. These remarkable pieces will be available for public viewing in the Vladislav Hall of the Old Royal Palace at Prague Castle from 18 to 29 September 2025.
Another significant artefact is the Milevsko Reliquary, which was unearthed in 2020 at the Church of Saint Giles in Milevsko. This reliquary features wood dated back to between 338 and 416 AD, making it one of the earliest monuments in Czechia. A segment of an iron nail believed to originate from the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified has also been found. Currently, this artefact is not on display.
For history fans, the opportunity to see the double-armed gold reliquary cross, adorned with exquisite gemstones and pearls, should not be missed. The Cross of Záviš is displayed at the Cistercian Monastery in Vyšší Brod, but it’s only accessible during the summer months from May until the end of September.
