The Reliquary of Saint Maurus was hidden beneath the chapel floor in 1945 by the departing Beaufort-Spontin family and remained undiscovered for 40 years.
The reliquary contains the remains of Saint Maurus, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Timothy.
The Beaufort-Spontin family, who owned the castle until 1945, originated from the Southern Netherlands and held French titles.
The castle grounds include a terraced garden that was reconstructed to reflect its 19th-century layout.
The structure transitioned from a strategic defensive fortress to a luxurious residential seat during the late Renaissance.
Before its recovery, the reliquary was considered one of the most sought-after lost treasures of the Cold War era.
The reliquary is crafted from gilded copper and silver, adorned with precious stones and antique cameos.
State Castle Bečov is a multi-layered complex comprising a 13th-century Gothic castle and a later Renaissance and Baroque palace. It is most famous for housing the Reliquary of Saint Maurus, a 13th-century Romanesque masterpiece of medieval goldsmithing. Discovered in 1985 under the floorboards of the castle chapel, the reliquary is one of the most valuable historical artifacts in the Czech Republic. The site is located in the Karlovy Vary region atop a steep rocky promontory overlooking the Teplá River. Visitors can tour interiors that reflect diverse architectural periods, ranging from the medieval fortification to the 19th-century interiors of the Beaufort-Spontin family. The complex is managed by the National Heritage Institute. Restoration of the reliquary spanned over a decade, utilizing advanced conservation techniques before it was permanently placed on display. The site documents the historical convergence of Czech, German, and French influences in the region.
The view of the castle exterior from the pedestrian bridge spanning the Teplá River.
Prioritize the Reliquary tour as it requires a specific booking due to strict humidity and security controls.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the steep, cobbled incline leading from the town square to the castle entrance.
Check the official website for current special exhibition dates, as some parts of the castle have rotating seasonal displays.
Do not attempt to visit without checking the online reservation system, as guided tours of the Reliquary of Saint Maurus sell out during peak season.
The site is typically closed on Mondays and during the winter off-season; check official status for specific public holiday closures.
Photography is generally prohibited inside the reliquary room; follow all signage regarding flash usage in historical interiors.
