Relikviář svatého Maura Reliquary
Relikviář svatého Maura is a romantic памятka from the first third of the 13th century as well as the most important jewelry landmark preserved in Czech territory. Its production dates back to 1225-1230 when it was made for the Belgian monastery of St. John the Baptist in Florennes. The contract was awarded by members of the wealthy family of Rumigny - specifically initiated by Gérard de Rumigny, Bishop of Cambrae, who obtained the rare relics of St. John the Baptist and later St. Maura of the Cathedral in Remesh. The remains of Saint Timothy and Saint Apollinar were gradually added to the reliquary. The older textile box could no longer meet the noble requirements for the dignified storage of these sacred remains.
The fate of the reliquary changed after the demise of the monastery in 1798. Although the monastery escaped looting during the French Revolution, its cultural assets were gradually scattered. The reliquary ended up in the sacristy of St. Gangulf's parish church in Florennes, where he stood forgotten for years in the corner between the old furniture. Due to financial difficulties, the church management decided to sell the monument. In 1838 it was purchased by the nobleman Alfred de Beaufort-Spontin for 2500 francs. Between 1847 and 1851, the reliquary was restored with a load of 3,000 francs. However, the sale did not solve all the problems - the litigation lasted for years and ended only in 1900 when the Beauforts paid the Church another 20,000 francs.
After Alfred's death in 1888, the reliquary inherited his son Friedrich, who carried him to his castle in Bečov nad heat. Here it was exhibited in the castle chapel and became part of the regional awareness of local cultural wealth. During World War II, during the collaboration with the Nazi regime, the leadership of the Beaufort-Spontinos hid it. In 1945 Heinrich Beaufort-Spontin and his son Friedrich hid him under the floor of the castle chapel to protect him from the horrors of war.
The reliquary remained hidden until 1985 when the Czechoslovak authorities discovered it. The following decades were devoted to his thorough restaurant, which lasted until 2002. In 1995 the reliquary acquired the status of the national cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Today, its most common place of exposure is a permanent exhibition in the castle in Bečov nad Teplou, where visitors can see it in an authentic environment. Since 2022 it has been permanently exposed to renewed exposure in Pluhov houses, which increases the availability of this unique Romanesque treasure for the wider public.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1225-1230
- Making a reliquary for Gérard de Rumigny.
- 1838
- Purchase of the reliquary by Alfred de Beaufort-Spontin.
- 1945
- Hiding the reliquary under the floor of the chapel at castle Bečov nad Teplou.
- 1985
- Discovering the reliquary by the Czech authorities.
- 1995
- Declaration for the national cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
Historical events
1838: Sales of reliquary to Alfred de Beaufort-Spontin for 2500 francs. 1945: Hiding the monument under the floor of the castle chapel at castle Bečov nad Teplou. 1985: Discovering the reliquary by the Czech authorities. 1995: Declaration for a national cultural monument.
Owners
St. John the Baptist in Florennes, the parish church of St. Gangulf in Florennes, Alfred de Beaufort-Spontin (from 1838), Friedrich de Beaufort-Spontin (from 1888), the Czech state (from 1985).
Points of interest
- It is the most important jewelry landmark preserved in Czech territory, whose production dates back to 1225-1230. - It was made for the Belgian monastery of St. John the Baptist and contained the remains of St. John the Baptist, Maura, Timothy and Apolinar. - In 1838 it was purchased for 2500 francs by the noble Alfred de Beaufort-Spontin. - In 1945 he was hidden under the floor of the castle chapel to be protected from war terrors. - It remained hidden until 1985 and in 1995 it acquired the status of national cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
The Reliquary of Saint Maur is a Romanesque monument from the first third of the thirteenth century. After the Czech coronation jewels, it is considered the second most valuable movable monument in the Czech Republic. At the same time, it is the most significant Romanesque goldsmith monument stored on Czech territory.
The reliquary was commissioned by Gérard de Rumigny, bishop in Cambrai, from the wealthy Rumigny family. He obtained the relics of Saint John the Baptist and later also those of Saint Maur from the cathedral in Reims. The older reliquary, apparently made of textile, was no longer sufficient for the dignified storage of the remains, and so between the years 1225 and 1230 a new reliquary was created. The bishop placed it in the Benedictine monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Florennes. Later, the remains of Saint Timothy and Saint Apollinaris were added to it.
The monastery was closed in 1798. The archive and library were destroyed, valuables were stolen, and the buildings later completely disappeared. The reliquary is among the few monuments that were preserved. It ended up in the parish church of Saint Gangulph in Florennes, where it stood decrepit for many years in a corner of the sacristy among old furniture.
Due to financial hardship, the church sold it in 1838 to the nobleman Alfred de Beaufort-Spontin for 2500 francs. According to the church, the sale was conditional on the reliquary never leaving Florennes. Alfred had it restored between the years 1847 and 1851. His son Friedrich exhibited the reliquary in Brussels and then transported it to the castle in Bečov nad Teplou. A legal dispute followed, which ended in 1900 with an out-of-court settlement. The Beauforts paid the church another 20 thousand francs.
In Bečov, the reliquary stood in the castle chapel. When Anton Gnirs included it in his 1932 inventory of the monuments of the castle and chateau, the family became enraged. They wanted the reliquary to fall into oblivion, and in the second edition of the book there is no mention of it anymore.
During the Second World War, the Beaufort-Spontin family collaborated with the Nazi regime. In 1945, the family hid the reliquary under the floor of the chapel of the castle before their expulsion from Czechoslovakia. Czech authorities did not discover it until 1985. Restoration took place between 1991 and 2002. In 1995, the reliquary was declared a national cultural monument. Since 2022, it has been permanently displayed in a new exhibition in the renovated Pluhovské houses in Bečov nad Teplou.
Tips for visitors
For the best experience we recommend a visit in the morning or when it is quieter in the space. At these times, light best highlights the fine details of the Romanesque jewelry store on the reliquary.
The location is available by car and by public transport.
If you plan to photograph, you will get the best results when you capture details in soft, natural light, but always follow the current instructions of the staff.
After the tour you can visit Castle Bečov nad Teplou or Pluhov houses, which are in close proximity. For families with children, the tour is interesting due to the uniqueness of historical objects, and we recommend choosing a slow pace of walking.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
We have not verified whether this monument is accessible. Please ask the owner or operator, or the local municipal office.
Where is the monument?
Location: Zámek 9, Bečov nad Teplou, Karlovarský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a national cultural monument (register no. 308).
For kids
Imagine going back to the past, when the Czech countries were full of life and Christian traditions. The city of Prague was small then, but rich in history and culture. And right here, in the heart of the city, was Relikviář svatého Maura.
How did it look here? Who lived here? What happened here? The city of Prague was a centre of shops and art, where a marketplace full of craftsmen and merchants, where monasteries and churches were full of prayers and songs. And it was in one of these churches that said Relikviář svatého Maura.
Businesses nearby
Do you run a restaurant, accommodation, shop, museum, rental, wellness or other visitor service near this monument? Show yourself directly to the people heading to it — this is how they will see you in the app and on the web:
Nearby
Castle Bečov nad Teplou, Pluhov houses.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Relikviář svatého Maura Type: Main destination, historical monument This precious relic box is the heart of the whole trip and represents a unique proof of medieval art and Christian tradition in this area. Visitors can easily see the details of this valuable artifact, which attracts the attention of both historians and clerics.
Castle Bečov nad Teplou Type: Historical building, cultural monument It is located in the immediate vicinity of the main objective and forms a majestic framework for the entire route. Its impressive architecture and rich history provide an ideal context for understanding the importance of the reliquary and the overall cultural heritage of the village.
Pluhov houses Type: Folk architecture, historical development These characteristic buildings offer a view of the traditional way of life and building art in the region. Walk through this part of the village allows you to contradict the festive atmosphere of the castle with an authentic, folk environment that complements the picture of local history.
The route is designed to be as short and clear as possible because all three points lie in a close neighbourhood in the centre of the village. It starts with the reliquary, continues through the lock and closes with a tour of the Pluhov houses. The entire circuit can be managed within a few hours with sufficient time to explore the interior and exterior. Since this is a compact area, it is not necessary to use motorised transport; everything is easily accessible on foot. This combination of spiritual treasure, aristocratic residence and folk architecture forms a harmonious whole that fully describes the character of Bečov over the heat.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring brings freshness and awakening nature to the surroundings of Bečov over the Heat, which complements the historical importance of the place. Light is soft and natural in this period, which allows you to perceive details of the reliquary without sharp shadows. It is advisable for visitors to choose layered clothes to be ready for variable weather. It's the perfect time for a quieter tour before the season starts.
In the summer months, the atmosphere is alive and the sun clearly illuminates the surrounding landscape. The main summer season is the most exciting, so we recommend arriving first thing in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. Clothes should be light and comfortable, ideal for moving in warmer weather.
Autumn around the monument creates a melancholy and mystical atmosphere that perfectly matches the spiritual character of the reliquary. The golden shades of leaves and morning fog give the whole experience depth. It is reasonable to carry a warmer layer of clothing and high-quality footwear for walking in a humidified terrain. Afternoon visits in this period offer a rare sense of privacy.
Winter brings peace and quiet to Bečov above the heat, which allow full focus on historical treasures. The light is weaker, which in the interior creates a cozy and noble mood.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
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Sources and literature
Photos: Draceane / CC BY-SA 4.0, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
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