Imperial Crypt Wien: Overview of the Habsburg Burial Site

The Imperial Crypt was founded in 1618, with plans and construction commencing after funds were released following the death of Anna of Tyrol in that year. It was dedicated in 1632.

Construction of the church housing the Imperial Crypt progressed slowly due to the Thirty Years' War. The church was dedicated on July 25, 1632.

The first entombments in the Imperial Crypt occurred at Easter 1633, with the remains of Emperor Matthias and Empress Anna being transferred to the Founders Vault.

Emperor Leopold I initiated an enlargement of the crypt in 1657 under the nave of the church. His son, Joseph I, extended it further westward, and Charles VI continued this westward expansion starting in 1720.

The architect Lukas von Hildebrandt was involved in an enlargement of the crypt during the expansion efforts initiated by Emperor Charles VI.

Empress Maria Theresa commissioned a westward addition to the crypt in 1754 that extended into the monastery garden. This addition featured an imposing dome designed by architect Jean Jadot de Ville-Issey.

During Emperor Francis II's reign, architect Johann Aman made an addition to the north side of the crypt in 1824.

In 1840, the monastery surrounding the church was torn down and rebuilt during Emperor Ferdinand's reign. As part of this project, architect Johann Höhne built the Ferdinand Vault and the Tuscan Vault.

In 1908, to celebrate Emperor Franz Joseph I's 60 years on the throne, architect Cajo Perisic built another mausoleum chamber and a chapel. New annexes for visitors were also created.

The New Vault was built by architect Karl Schwanzer between 1960 and 1962. It added about 20% to the crypt's space and was used in a massive rearrangement of tombs.

As part of the construction of the New Vault in 1960, a major rearrangement of tombs occurred. About half of all tombs were moved to more orderly locations, including into the New Vault and walled-up into piers.

In 2003, a project made the crypt accessible to disabled visitors, opened previously unused doors for a more direct visitor route, and installed air conditioning to control humidity and prevent tomb deterioration.

The most recent entombment in the Imperial Crypt was in 2023, with the burial of Archduchess Yolande of Austria.

Anna of Tyrol, wife of Emperor Matthias, conceived the idea for a Capuchin cloister and burial crypt for herself and her husband. She provided funds for it in her will made in 1617.

Emperor Leopold I enlarged the crypt in 1657 by building under the nave of the church. His three wives and 16 children are also buried in the crypt.

Emperor Charles VI continued the westward expansion of the crypt in 1720, extending it under the chancel and apse choir. He was also involved with architect Lukas von Hildebrandt in this enlargement.

Empress Maria Theresa commissioned a domed addition to the crypt in 1754, extending it into the monastery garden. The design is attributed to architect Jean Jadot de Ville-Issey.

Architect Johann Aman designed an addition to the north of the crypt in 1824 during the reign of Emperor Francis II.

Architect Johann Höhne built the Ferdinand Vault and the Tuscan Vault in 1840 as part of the monastery reconstruction.

Architect Cajo Perisic built a mausoleum chamber and chapel in 1908 for Emperor Franz Joseph I's jubilee celebrations.

Architect Karl Schwanzer designed and oversaw the construction of the New Vault between 1960 and 1962, significantly expanding the crypt's space and enabling tomb rearrangement.

Since 1633, the Imperial Crypt has served as the primary burial place for members of the House of Habsburg, housing the remains of 145 royalty and urns of four others.

The Imperial Crypt contains 107 visible metal sarcophagi and five heart urns, displaying a range of styles from plain to exuberant rococo.

Recognizing the deteriorating condition of the tombs due to environmental factors and visitor numbers, restoration efforts began in 1852, with a dedicated association formed in 1956 and significant conservation work continuing to the present day.