Crown Treasury and Armoury in Wawel

The history of Wawel Treasury most probably reaches back to the bygone times of King Boleslaus the Brave (Bolesław Chrobry), that is the late 10th century. Attempts were already being made at that time to hoard the memorial insignia, which were however unsuccessful. It was only in the days of Kings Ladislaus the Elbow-High and Casimir the Great (Władysław Łokietek and Kazimierz Wielki) – that is the 14th century – that the plan succeeded. The premises earmarked in their days for the Treasury were the same as today: situated on the ground floor in the north-eastern corner of the castle, in the tower later referred to as the Kurza Stopa (the Hen’s Foot). In later days, the Treasury was expanded by adding the room known as the Hall of Jagiełło and Jadwiga, in the adjacent Danish Tower. Since that moment, attempts have been made to gather together here the most precious memorabilia of the nation, including the royal insignia, robes, and valuables. After 1510 the Crown Treasury even became something like a state institution, whose task was to protect this specific heritage, so that only authorised senators held the keys to the Treasury. This was probably also the time when the Crown Treasury and the Cathedral Treasury were finally separated.

This is how the Royal Treasury was separated from the private property of successive monarchs, which may be the reason why it stayed in Wawel Castle after the court moved to Warsaw. Its riches must have covered the State’s growing expenditure in the numerous wars it conducted. Even though it avoided being robbed during the Swedish Deluge, it was soon impoverished by the Act of the Polish Parliament of 1673, which enforced the sale of nearly the entire collection of precious jewels and gems. Despite the losses incurred throughout the 18th century, the last inventory (1792) still comprised 120 items which were then shown on display. The burglary and robbery committed by the Prussians who captured Kraków in 1795 put an end to the existence of the Treasury. The greatest and absolutely irretrievable loss was the stealing of the Coronation Insignia of the Polish kings, which the Prussians melted into pure gold, having sold the pearls and precious gems.

A partial re-creation of the contents of the Treasury only became possible after 1918, with the repossession action carried out later (e.g. on the basis of the Treaty of Riga concluded with Soviet Russia in 1921). Soon countless gifts started to flow into the Treasury, some purchases were made, and some items were received as deposits. The collection was opened to the public in 1930.

The oldest and only preserved Coronation Insignium of the Piast Dynasty is a sword which most probably comes from the first half of the 13th century. Known as Szczerbiec, that is the Notched Sword, it has been used since the days of Ladislaus the Elbow-High as the coronation sword. Other exhibits to be found in the Treasury include the sword of Sigismund the Old (Zygmunt Stary) from the first half of the 16th century, used during knighting ceremonies, the standard of King Sigismund Augustus (1553), the sword of King Stephen Bathory being a gift from Pope Gregory XIII, the royal mace (buzdygan) from the latter half of the 16th century, jewels, gems, and valuables.

The armoury is situated in three rooms in the cellars: one Gothic and two Renaissance. One of Poland’s greatest collections of militaria is exhibited here, including Hussars’ armour and chain-mail, an assortment of shields and helmets, and plenty of pole weapons and firearms. Stored beside them in the cellar are cannon and mortar, as well as copies of the banners of the Teutonic Knights captured during the Battle of Grunwald in 1410.

You can find more information on visits to the Crown Treasury and Armoury in the Museums section.