Imperial Crypt

The Imperial Crypt, also known as the Capuchin Crypt, lies beneath the Capuchin monastery on the Neuer Markt in Vienna's first district and has served as the burial place of the Habsburgs and Habsburg-Lorraines since 1633. Founded by Empress Anna and Emperor Matthias, it now holds 150 interments including twelve emperors and nineteen empresses. Its most famous monuments are the lavish baroque double sarcophagus of Maria Theresa and Francis I and the plain bronze coffin of Franz Joseph, near which Crown Prince Rudolf and Empress Elisabeth also rest. The Capuchin friars still maintain the site. Visitors walk slowly through the low vaults reading their way through Habsburg history.