Wandering around in the narrow streets of Vilnius’ old town, you can stumble upon the small and cozy Augustas and Barbora Love Story Café. It’s an excellent place to warm up, have coffee, and learn about one of the most beautiful love stories in Lithuanian history.
Other countries had Dante and Beatrice, Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Louis XV of France and Madame de Pompadour. Lithuania’s most famous love story is Žygimantas Augustas and Barbora Radvilaitė.The love story of Žygimantas Augustas, the last Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland, and Barbora Radvilaitė is one of the most romantic and tragic tales in Lithuanian and Polish history. Their story blends deep affection, political intrigue, and societal opposition, making it a legendary narrative that has inspired countless artists, writers, and historians.
Žygimantas Augustas, born in 1520, ascended to the Polish throne in 1548 and was simultaneously the Grand Duke of Lithuania. He met Barbora Radvilaitė, a Lithuanian noblewoman, around this time, and they fell deeply in love. Barbora, known for her beauty and intelligence, was a member of the powerful Radvila family, which played a significant role in the politics of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Despite their strong affection for each other, their relationship faced substantial opposition. The Polish nobility and Žygimantas' mother, Queen Bona Sforza, strongly objected to the match. They were concerned about the influence of the Radvila family and doubted Barbora's suitability as queen. To make matters worse, rumors flew that Barbora had bewitched the king using witchcraft.
Source: welovelithuania.lt
Despite all objections, Žygimantas Augustas and Barbora secretly married in 1547. However, the marriage was not initially acknowledged publicly. It took until 1550 for Žygimantas to formally announce their marriage and crown Barbora as Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania. This move didn't exactly win him favor with many nobles.
Barbora’s reign as queen was short-lived; she died under mysterious circumstances in 1551, barely a year after her coronation. Her death fueled rumors and speculations, with some suggesting that she had been poisoned by her opponents (only in recent years we learned that she died from cancer). Žygimantas Augustas was left heartbroken and never remarried, despite the political necessity to produce an heir.
The love story of Žygimantas Augustas and Barbora Radvilaitė has endured through the ages as a symbol of true love that transcends societal boundaries and political intrigue. Their tale remains a heart-touching chapter in the history of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Karolina, OLS Community Manager – Lithuanian