Archeologists begin excavations for St. Agnes remains

Archeologists began excavations Tuesday in a Prague church to find the remains of the 13th century Czech saint St. Agnes of Bohemia. The excavations are taking place at two locations near the altar of St Haštal’s Church where hopes have been raised that the remains could be found. A vault was discovered after part of the 19th century floor was removed at one point. The vault, however, appears to be from the Baroque period rather than the Middle Ages. St. Agnes, who was canonised a few days before the start of the Velvet Revolution in November 1989, was a noblewoman who renounced a life of wealth and comfort to found Franciscan Convent in Prague in 1232. Her remains are believed to have been hidden during the Hussite wars and were never rediscovered.

Author: Chris Johnstone