The Karlštejn Treasure is a collection of about 400 objects dating back to the 14th century - the era of Charles IV. Fashion accessories, drinking vessels and caskets for aromatic herbs and ointments illustrate the ideas that we might have about life in the Middle Ages. You can see all of these items at Karlštejn.
The Karlštejn Treasure lay waiting to be discovered for 600 years. The collection of the works of art was hidden in the walls of the majestic Karlštejn Castle during the Hussite Wars. These rebellions broke out in the Czech lands in the early 15th century, when the majority of the nation opposed Sigismund of Luxembourg, the son of Charles IV, ascending to the throne. The castle residents feared that the valuables might fall into the hands of the menacing Hussite troops, and so they hid the items in the walls of the castle, which had been built as a fortress to guard the royal jewels. About 600 years later they were found by builders repairing the castle.
The collection of historical objects of everyday life of the medieval aristocracy belongs to the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, and on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of Charles IV’s birth the Museum has loaned it to Karlštejn Castle which was founded by none other than the famous monarch himself.
The collection of historical objects of everyday life of the medieval aristocracy belongs to the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, and on the occasion of the 700th anniversary of Charles IV’s birth the Museum has loaned it to Karlštejn Castle which was founded by none other than the famous monarch himself.
