Why Visit Imperial Treasury Vienna?

• Breathtaking Collection: The Imperial Treasury in Vienna boasts a breathtaking collection of priceless artifacts, including crowns, scepters, robes, and religious relics, showcasing the splendor of the Habsburg dynasty.
  
• Historical Significance: Explore centuries of European history through the treasures housed in the treasury, which chronicle the reigns of emperors such as Fredinand I, Maximilian I, and Charles VI.
  
• Royal Regalia: Witness the imperial regalia of the Holy Roman Empire, including the symbolic crown jewels, which are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and cultural significance.
  
• Mystical Legends: Delve into the realm of myths and legends surrounding relics like the Holy Lance and the Holy Grail, said to possess mystical powers and shrouded in fascinating stories.
  
• Hofburg Palace Experience: Located within the grand Hofburg Palace complex, visiting the Imperial Treasury allows you to explore other significant attractions such as the Sisi Museum and the Spanish Riding School.

History of Imperial Treasury Vienna

The history of the Imperial Treasury in Vienna is a fascinating tale of preservation, displacement, and restoration. It all began in 1556 when Jacopo Strada, the court antiquarian of Ferdinand I, initiated the formation of the treasury's collections. However, it was in the 18th century, under the reign of Maria Theresa, that the Habsburg treasures found their way to their present location within the treasury. This relocation cleverly concealed the financial strain the dynasty had endured due to costly wars against rivalling Prussia.

The Imperial Regalia, which arrived around 1800, holds its own chapter of intrigue. Having been kept in Nuremberg since 1424, they were moved to Vienna to protect them from the advancing French troops under Napoleon during the last days of the Holy Roman Empire. However, the treasures were taken back to Nuremberg by the Nazi authorities after the Austrian Anschluss in 1938. It was only at the end of World War II that the US forces returned them to Vienna.

In 1983-1987, a comprehensive renovation transformed the display, ensuring that the legacy of the Imperial Treasury in Vienna endures as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Austria and the Habsburg dynasty. It was opened to the public in 1954.

Who built Imperial Treasury Vienna?

The Imperial Treasury Vienna is housed within the Hofburg Palace which has a complex history of construction and expansion spanning several centuries. It was initially built in the 13th century and underwent numerous additions and renovations under various rulers of the Habsburg dynasty. Architects such as Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and Heinrich von Ferstel contributed to its architectural development over time. The Imperial Treasury itself was curated and expanded by successive Habsburg emperors, with collections being added and moved to their present location under the direction of individuals like Jacopo Strada and Maria Theresa.