Prague Castle has opened its annual public display of the Bohemian Crown Jewels, giving visitors a rare close-up view of some of the Czech Republic’s most important symbols of statehood. The exhibition marks 500 years since Ferdinand I of Habsburg ascended the Bohemian throne. The St Wenceslas Crown is displayed alongside the Royal Scepter and Royal Orb in the historic Vladislav Hall. The jewels were once kept at Karlštejn Castle, transferred to Vienna during the Thirty Years’ War and ceremonially returned to Prague in 1791. They are normally kept under lock and key in St Vitus Cathedral. The free exhibition opened to the public on September 19 and runs through September 28. More than 51,500 people visited last year’s display. The St Wenceslas Crown, created in the 14th century, remains one of the country’s best-known national symbols and is rarely removed from its secure chamber for display.
