Discover the Golden Reliquary of Saint Maurus: A Hidden Gem in Czechia
Like In A Film: The Quest for a Golden Treasure
In 1984, an extraordinary proposal came from American Danny Douglas to the officials of the then Czechoslovak government. He suggested exporting a highly valuable, albeit vaguely described artefact for a sum of 250,000 dollars, which piqued the interest of local security services. This enigmatic offer triggered a series of events uncovering a long-lost treasure concealed beneath the wooden flooring of Bečov Castle’s chapel.
CELEBRATING TREASURE DISCOVERY: The festivities marking the 40th anniversary of this remarkable find will peak on 23 August 2025, coinciding with the nationwide event Castle and Chateau Night. Visitors can also look forward to the Maurus Wine Festival, set to take place in the local gardens.
How Was the Reliquary Unearthed in Bečov?
Through the meticulous efforts of the criminal police, as well as possibly due to covert surveillance of Danny Douglas, it became apparent that the coveted artefact was likely hidden in Bečov nad Teplou. This location was linked to the illustrious Beaufort-Spontin family, who were forced to leave their Czech estate hastily at the end of World War II. It was clear that such a large object could not easily have been carried away. Finally, the reliquary was revealed on November 5, 1985.
DAN BROWN’S ENIGMAS: The beautiful city of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is the backdrop for renowned author Dan Brown’s forthcoming novel, The Secret of Secrets (2025). This literary giant is celebrated for his bestsellers, including The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. The book will hit the shelves on September 9, 2025, and Brown is expected to make an appearance to promote it in the Czech capital.
A Toxic Tooth from a Prehistoric Fish
Following the significant discovery, an extensive restoration process commenced, spanning a remarkable 12 years. The skilled restorers utilized original materials, and you can catch a glimpse of their work in a documentary featured in the permanent exhibition. However, due to its deteriorated state, the original oak core was replaced with new walnut wood, which you can observe firsthand.
Adorning this exquisite early Romanesque goldsmith’s work are reliefs of fourteen gilded silver statuettes, accompanied by precious and semi-precious stones, ancient gems, delicate filigrees, and vibrant enamels. A fascinating tidbit is that one of the featured stones is actually the tooth of a prehistoric fish, believed to hold protective qualities against poisoning.
The Reliquary of Saint Maurus was initially crafted around 1225-1230 at the Florennes Monastery in Belgium. It was designed for the veneration of saintly relics, originally dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and later enriched with relics of Saints Maurus, Timothy, and Apollinaris.
Discovering Bečov nad Teplou: This charming town is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Krušné Mountains, located about 25 kilometers south of Karlovy Vary, famous for its spa culture. Its stunning scenery makes it an excellent stop for travelers seeking relaxation and a dash of history, perfectly complementing the spa towns of the renowned golden triangle in West Bohemia.
Crown Jewels and Other Treasures in Czechia
Among the wonderful treasures of Czechia, the royal crown jewels stand out prominently. They comprise the St. Wenceslas Crown, a royal orb, scepter, and coronation robe, all of which will be exhibited publicly in the Vladislav Hall of the Old Royal Palace at Prague Castle from September 18 to 29, 2025.
Another remarkable find is the Milevsko Reliquary, unearthed in 2020 within the Church of Saint Giles in Milevsko. This historical piece contains wood that dates back to between 338 and 416 AD and is considered one of the oldest artefacts in the Czech Republic. Additionally, a fragment of an iron nail assumed to originate from the True Cross—the crucifixion cross of Jesus Christ—is part of its historical significance. However, this artefact is not currently on display.
For history buffs, the double-armed gold reliquary cross, adorned with sparkling gemstones and pearls, is a must-see. The Cross of Záviš can be found at the Cistercian Monastery in Vyšší Brod, but it’s only available for viewing during the summer season, from May through the end of September.
