Austria Vienna Vienna Museum

Imperial Treasury

About

The Imperial Treasury Vienna, located in the Hofburg Palace, offers a breathtaking collection of priceless artifacts spanning over a thousand years of European history. The centerpiece is the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, an ornate 10th-century masterpiece used for imperial coronations, rich with biblical symbolism. Equally impressive is the Austrian Imperial Crown, crafted in 1602 for Emperor Rudolf II, later symbolizing the Austrian Empire. Visitors can also marvel at the treasures of the Order of the Golden Fleece and the Burgundian inheritance from the 15th century, including exquisite textiles and regalia. Among the legendary objects on display are the Holy Lance, the Imperial Cross, and the world’s largest cut emerald. The agate bowl, once believed to be the Holy Grail, and a giant narwhal tooth, thought to be a unicorn horn, add a mythical dimension to the collection. The Treasury also holds jewelry and personal items of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), as well as mementos from Napoleon and his son. The exhibition, divided into secular and ecclesiastical sections across 21 rooms, immerses visitors in the grandeur and history of the Habsburg dynasty and the Holy Roman Empire

Vienna Austria

Location

Situated in the Schweizerhof (Swiss Courtyard) of the Hofburg Palace, the Imperial Treasury is surrounded by the palace’s grand architecture and centuries-old courtyards. The entrance is beneath the Hofburg Chapel, accessible via the Swiss Gate from the Inner Courtyard or through Josefsplatz. Its central location in Vienna’s First District means you’re within walking distance of major attractions like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Spanish Riding School, and the Imperial Apartments. The Treasury is also adjacent to the Austrian National Library and close to the renowned Demel confectionery on Kohlmarkt. This area is rich with historical squares, such as Michaelerplatz and Heldenplatz, and is bordered by beautiful parks like the Burggarten and Volksgarten, perfect for a stroll after your visit. The proximity to museums, monuments, and the vibrant Graben shopping street ensures that a visit to the Imperial Treasury can be easily combined with other cultural and leisure activities in Vienna’s historic center.