This permanent exhibit at Wawel is a conceptual homage to the historic institution that once existed in this very place. A manifest sign of the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Poland, and later the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, from the 14th century onwards the Crown Treasury contained Poland’s very own equivalent of the Crown Jewels, plus other precious objects and royal exotica comprising the official state treasure. After the Third Partition of Poland (1795), however, the Crown Treasury was looted by the Prussians, who melted down its contents, resulting in the permanent loss of most of its contents. As such, today's exhibit can only evoke its former splendour.

Since 1930, however, the collection has gradually expanded with the acquisition of valuable historical artefacts and works of art, including several important items from the original holdings of the Crown Treasury, to boast a truly sumptuous collection. On display are exquisite works in gold and silver, jewellery, textiles, goblets, coins, state insignia and royal banners, including the great court banner prepared for the royal wedding of King Sigismund II Augustus and Catherine of Austria in 1553. Another fine item is the mantle of the Order of the Holy Spirit, which was a gift from Louis XIV of France to Jan III Sobieski, the victor at the Battle of Vienna. The ultimate highlight, however, is Szczerbiec - Poland's original coronation sword, used from 1320 to 1764 and arguably the most important relic in Polish history.

Average visiting time: 1hr.