This vanilla pod, found in the Vladislav Hall and dating back to the period 1513 to 1666, is prompting historians to reconsider their views on when vanilla first appeared in Europe.
J. Irmišová et al. The oldest vanilla pod ever found in Europe was discovered in a trash heap at Prague Castle.
In 2008–2009, restoration work was carried out in the Vladislav Hall of Prague Castle. The castle, built between 1490 and 1502, served as the residence of the King of Bohemia and a frequent meeting place for the European elite.
In particular, the Vladislav Hall was used as a banquet hall and a place for royal coronations. Beginning in the 17th century, the hall also became a miniature marketplace where members of the elite could purchase luxury items such as books, works of art, and exotic foods.
During restoration work in 2008 and 2009, archaeological teams worked to restore the hall and discovered the remains of an old floor that was destroyed by fire in 1541. The floor was covered in layers of sediment containing many small artifacts, including a vanilla pod nearly three inches long.
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