A remarkable collection of rare 19th-century wine bottles has gone on public display in the Czech Republic after spending decades hidden beneath a castle chapel floor.

The extraordinary cache of 133 historic bottles, most dating from the 1890s, was discovered beneath a chapel at Bečov Castle, where it had been concealed during the final days of World War II. After years of careful preservation and restoration, the collection is now being showcased to visitors.

Experts say the bottles survived in exceptional condition thanks to the cool, stable environment beneath the castle chapel, creating a unique time capsule of European wine history. The collection was restored with assistance from renowned French wine specialists who worked to preserve the bottles' authenticity while ensuring their long-term protection.

The wine cache was originally hidden by the castle's former owners as conflict swept across Europe. For decades, the collection remained a mystery until its discovery transformed into one of the region's most fascinating historical finds.

Historians say the collection offers a rare glimpse into aristocratic life and European heritage during a turbulent period of history. Beyond its monetary value, the cache is being celebrated as an important cultural and historical artifact.

The public exhibition is expected to attract visitors from across Europe, with wine enthusiasts, historians, and tourists eager to see one of the continent's most unusual hidden treasures.

As interest grows in historical discoveries and cultural heritage, the unveiling of the Bečov Castle collection highlights how long-forgotten treasures can continue to tell remarkable stories generations later.