Vienna’s grandly named Kaiserliche Schatzkammer, or Imperial Treasury, is home to the Habsburg treasures and jewels, both secular and ecclesiastical. It’s located in the Swiss courtyard of the Hofburg Palace complex. Some treasures date as far back as the 10th Century, including the magnificent octagonal crown of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Empire famously originated with Charlemagne and later The Habsburgs – with the exception of Empress Maria Theresa – succeeded in being elected to Holy Roman Enperor status. The Empire was effectively dissolved in the early 19th Century during the Napoleonic wars. The regalia, including that spectacular crown was brought to Vienna just before that dissolution.
The cradle of the King of Rome shows the links to Napoleon. Maria Antoinette’s sister, Maria Louise, married the ruler to become Empress Of the French and their child held the title King of Rome. After Napoleon’s exile, the mother and child lived in Schonnbrun.
So, a wonderful place to visit with much history to unravel. Have you been and what was your favourite item on display?
I like that you got the details in your pictures. We were there last winter but I wasn’t able to take as detailed pictures as yours. Now I’m missing Vienna. – Amor
Thank you! There was so much to see and hard to choose photos which don’t do the place justice at all.