The Imperial Treasury of Vienna, located in the Schweizerhof of the Hofburg, houses one of the most important collections of European history. The insignia and jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, as well as treasures of the House of Habsburg, are on display here. The collection is divided into the Secular and Ecclesiastical Treasury and comprises a total of 23 rooms.
The Secular Treasury displays key symbols of imperial power. These include the Imperial Crown of the Holy Roman Empire from the 10th century, made of gold and set with enamel, precious stones, and pearls. Another highlight is the Austrian Imperial Crown, also known as the Rudolfine Crown, created for Emperor Rudolf II in 1602. It impresses with its artistic craftsmanship and the use of precious stones and pearls. In addition to the crowns, scepters, imperial orbs, and the coronation mantle, which were used at imperial coronations, are also on display. A special exhibit is the Holy Lance, considered one of the most important relics of the empire.
The Ecclesiastical Treasury displays a variety of religious artifacts, including reliquaries, monstrances, and liturgical vestments. One notable piece is the St. Stephen's Bursa, a 9th-century pilgrim's bag-shaped reliquary said to contain soil from Jerusalem impregnated with the blood of St. Stephen. Another highlight is the Mass Vestment of the Order of the Golden Fleece, a 15th-century liturgical vestment known for its fine embroidery with gold and silver threads.
A significant portion of the collection comes from the Burgundian inheritance, which came into the possession of the Habsburgs through the marriage of Mary of Burgundy to Archduke Maximilian I. These include ornate objects such as the court cup made of rock crystal and gold, as well as the treasure of the Order of the Golden Fleece. This includes, among other things, the order's vestments, known for their elaborate embroidery and use of gold and silver threads.
The audio guide offers in-depth information on the exhibits and is available in several languages. The premises are wheelchair accessible, and cloakrooms are available for larger bags. Please note that photography without flash or tripod is permitted to protect the delicate exhibits.