The Capuchin Crypt (Imperial Crypt) – the burial place of the Habsburgs

Who was buried in the Capuchin crypt? How long has this tomb existed? Which is the most impressive coffin? Were all emperors buried here? The Capuchin crypt is located under the Capuchin church in the middle of the city on Neuer Markt. It has been looked after by the Capuchin friars for 400 years. 149 Habsburgs, including 12 emperors and 19 empresses/queens , are buried here. The baroque double sarcophagus of Maria Theresa and her husband Emperor Francis I Stephen of Lorraine is particularly impressive. The huge coffin was built by Balthasar Moll during their lifetime.

Emperor Franz Joseph, his beloved Sisi and son Rudolf were laid to rest here in beautiful Art Nouveau coffins . Sisi wanted her ashes to be scattered over the sea off the island of Corfu. Her last wish was not fulfilled. She rests next to her husband and son in the Art Nouveau crypt.

Coffins in the style of the time

The Capuchin crypt is divided into several crypts . Each coffin reflects the respective period, from Renaissance, Baroque, Classicism to Art Nouveau . The life story of the ruler is vividly told through the decorations on the coffin. Particularly touching are the small children’s coffins, for children who died far too young, which was often the case in the Baroque period. The Habsburgs have been buried in this crypt since the beginning of the 17th century . Empress Anna, the wife of Emperor Matthias, was the founder.

The crypt has since been extended several times. The last extension took place in 1960 and was carried out by Karl Schwanzer using the then current exposed concrete. Only one Protestant was buried in the Catholic crypt . This was Archduchess Henriette, wife of Archduke Karl, Napoleon’s conqueror at the Battle of Aspern. Napoleon’s only son also lay in the Capuchin crypt with his mother Marie-Louise until 1940. She was married to Napoleon at the beginning of the 19th century in line with Habsburg marriage policy. The Duke of Reichsstadt, as his title was, who died of tuberculosis at the age of 21, was transferred to the Invalides Cathedral in Paris on Hitler’s orders.

Not all Habsburgs rest here, there are exceptions.

The heir to the throne Franz Ferdinand (nephew of Emperor Franz Joseph) was buried in Artstetten Abbey together with his wife Sophie Chotek , who was not befitting his rank. The burial took place at the same time, as both died in the tragic assassination attempt in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914 . A non-Habsburg woman is also allowed to rest in the Imperial Crypt, very close to the double sarcophagus of Maria Theresa. This is the Imperial Countess Maria Karolina von Fuchs-Mollard, who, as educator of the regent and her children, was an important reference person for the entire imperial family.

A special “admission ritual” was performed at the last state funerals. The master of ceremonies must knock three times and admission is only granted after the simple name is given with the addition of “a poor soul”.

Time Travel tip: If you are very interested in the Habsburgs, a visit to the Capuchin Crypt is highly recommended: the coffins will take you through the lives and successes of the individual rulers. This will give you a very good impression of the Habsburg dynasty. More info: Capuchin Crypt – The burial place of the Habsburgs in Vienna

Image source: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Kapuzinergruft_Wien1.JPG