The Imperial Crypt (or Kaisergruft) in Vienna is certainly one of Vienna’s hidden treasures. It was founded in 1618 and has been the principal place of burial for members of the House of Habsburgs. It contains the bones of 145 people, plus four urns containing hearts or cremated remains. Not all are visible.
It’s quite challenging to find as there are no street signs pointing towards it. Luckily I had my google maps! It is located at Tegetthoffstraße 2, not too far from the Hofburg. Photography is allowed and there is a small entrance fee.
Emperor Matthias and Empress Anna of Tyrol
Anne of Tyrol
Empress Eleonor (Gonzaga)
Empress Maria Leopoldina (of Tyrol)
Empress Maria Anna (of Spain)
Empress Eleanora Magdalene (of Pfalz-Neuburg)
Emperor Leopold I
Maria-Elisabeth, daughter of Emperor Leopold I and Eleonora Magdalena
Maria Anna, sister of Empress Maria Theresa
In the front Emperor Joseph II and behind him the combined tomb of Maria Theresa and Francis Stephen.
The tiny coffin of Christina of Saxony-Teschen
Emperor Franz II
Emperor Maximillian I of Mexico, Franz Joseph I’s brother
Margarethe Karoline of Saxony
Karl Ludwig, brother of Franz Joseph I
Maria Annunziata of Bourbon-Sicily
Maria Josepha Luise of Saxony
Memorial to Franz Ferdinand and Sophie, Countess of Hohenberg who are buried at Artstetten.
Back view of the tombs of Elisabeth, Franz Joseph and Rudolf
Front view
Zita of Bourbon-Parma
Crown Prince Otto
Regina of Saxe-Meiningen
Empress Maria Ludovika (Louise) of France
Henriette of Naussau-Weiburg
The one on the bottom left is Franz Joseph’s and Elisabeth’s daughter
Mathilde of Austria-Teschen
The Imperial Crypt was the highlight of my visit to Vienna. It’s quite amazing to be in the company of those you read about all the time.
Amazing but creepy!