The Bečov nad Teplou castle and château complex holds the Czech Republic’s second most precious monument, after the Crown Jewels.
The Reliquary of Saint Maurus, wrapped in what is quite literally a spy story, is a jewelled masterpiece of Romanesque goldsmithing. The oldest diamonds used in its decoration date back to the 2nd century. The reliquary contains the remains of Saint John the Baptist, Saint Maurus, Saint Timothy and Saint Apollinaris. Right next to Bečov Château, an equally significant Gothic castle rises on a high rock.
