Imperial Treasury

The Vienna Treasury is rightly called the cradle of the imperial collections, as it goes back to the medieval family treasure of the house of Habsburg.

Those objects can be found in it that had the highest dynastic and religious meaning. Therefore it is divided into a secular and ecclesiastical treasury. It is one of the most important collections of its kind.

The Secular Treasury offers a fascinating overview covering over one thousand years of European history. It houses the most important collection of medieval royal objects: the insignia and jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, including the Imperial Crown dating back to the year 962. Further highlights include the Crown of Emperor Rudolf II, which later on became Crown of the Austrian Empire, as well as the vestments and other precious items of the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Extremely precious gems, including one of the world‘s largest emeralds and two items which were considered to be so unique that they were declared »inalienable heirlooms of the House of Austria«: an agate bowl from Late Antiquity which was thought to be the Holy Grail and a giant narwhal tooth which was thought to be the horn of a unicorn.

The Ecclesiastical Treasury offers a unique journey through the history of piety, religion and art. It contains the liturgical implements, relics and paraments, which were used and collected at the Imperial court and tell from the Catholicism of the Habsburgs to the era of the Counterreformation and of the ruler‘s piety after the baroque epoch.

Duration: as desired.
Admission fee not included.