Prague - According to the wish made by the famous 14th century Czech King Charles IV., Czech crown jewels are to be displayed only on very special occasions.
After five years, this moment has finally come again - the public will have a chance to see the jewels on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the foundation of the independent Czechoslovak state in 1918.
The exhibition begins on Saturday and will last through the end of April.
Today at 5 pm, seven politicians and clergymen will assembly in order to open the crown chamber of the St. Wenceslas Chapel in St. Vitus Cathedral where the jewels are stored since 1971.
Long lines expected
Besides the jewels, tens of other artistic pieces linked to the history of Czech coronation will be displayed too.
The very crown jewels consist of the St. Wenceslas crown, Coronation Cross and Coronation Sword originating in the Middle Ages (from 13th to 14th centuries) and Royal Scepter, Royal Apple and Coronation Cloak from 17th century.
For the first time in history the exhibition will take place in the Vladislav Hall of the Prague Castle. Formerly, the exhibitions of jewels had been displayed in the Old Royal Palace where the permanent exhibition about the Castle's history is placed.
Last time, the people had the possibility to see the jewels five years ago - more than 44 thousand did not mind to wait in long lines to see the crown jewels.
According to the organizers, the capacity of the exhibition is 5 thousand a day.
