Kapuziner Crypt (Kapuzinergruft)

Tegetthoffstrasse 2. (Open Map)
(75)

Description

Located beneath the Kapuzinerkirche, the Kapuzinergruft is the final resting place of most members of the Habsburg royal family, including Empress Elisabeth. Initiated by Empress Anna in 1633, her body and that of her husband, Emperor Matthias, were the first to be entombed in this impressive vault. In total, 149 Habsburgs have been buried here, including 12 emperors and 19 empresses. However, three Habsburgs stand out due to their absence. The last emperor, Karl I, was buried in exile in Madeira, Marie Antoinette (daughter of Maria Theresia) still lies in Paris, and Duc de Reichstadt, son of Napoleon’s second wife, Marie Louise, was transferred to the capital city by the Nazis in 1940. Additionally, numerous urns containing the internal organs of the Habsburgs are on display. As a privilege of their position, upon death, their bodies were dismembered and dispersed; their hearts are in the Augustinerkirche in the Hofburg and the remainder lie in the Kapuzinergruft. English-language, hour-long tours of the crypt are held at 3.30 pm Wednesday to Saturday.