Treasure of Guarrazar

The Treasure of Guarrazar is a significant archaeological find located in Guadamur, near Toledo, Spain. It consists of twenty-six votive crowns and gold crosses offered by Visigothic kings to the Roman Catholic Church in the 7th century CE. These treasures, notably the crown of King Recceswinth adorned with sapphires from Sri Lanka, demonstrate the exquisite craftsmanship of Visigothic goldsmiths and their religious devotion. The treasure represents a high point in Early Medieval Christian votive offerings and reflects Byzantine influences in its metalworking techniques. The site also housed a church or oratory with graves, including a well-preserved Latin-inscribed grave of a priest named Crispín, dating to 693 CE. Although much of the treasure has disappeared or been stolen, its remaining pieces are invaluable for understanding Visigothic art and religious practices.