Imperial Crypt, Vienna

The Imperial Crypt, also known as the Capuchin Crypt, is an underground burial chamber situated beneath the Capuchin Church and monastery in Neuer Markt square, within Vienna's Innere Stadt district, near the Hofburg Palace. This crypt was established in the year 1618 and formally consecrated in 1632.

The concept for a Capuchin cloister and burial crypt in the vicinity of the Hofburg castle was initiated by Anna of Tyrol, the spouse of Emperor Matthias. She allocated funds for its construction through her last will and testament on November 10, 1617, and tragically passed away just a year later. Subsequently, her husband also passed away a year after her demise.

From the year 1633 onward, the Imperial Crypt has served as the primary burial site for members of the House of Habsburg. It houses the remains of 145 Habsburg royals, along with urns containing the hearts or cremated remains of four others, including 12 emperors and 18 empresses. The crypt contains 107 visible metal sarcophagi and five heart urns, showcasing a diverse range of styles from simple and austere to ornate rococo designs.

Why You Should Visit:
Imperial Crypt tells a fascinating story of the Habsburg dynasty, one of the oldest and most significant Imperial families on the European continent, and, as such, is well worth a visit.