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Vienna: Imperial Crypt Entrance Ticket
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The Capuchin Crypt (Kapuzinergruft) in Vienna is one of the most impressive and historically significant sites in the Austrian capital. Located beneath the Church of St. Mary of the Angels in Neuer Markt, this imperial crypt has been the main burial place of the Habsburg dynasty, one of the most powerful and influential royal families in European history, since 1633.
Founded at the behest of Empress Anna of Tyrol and Emperor Matthias in 1618, the crypt now houses the remains of 142 members of the imperial family, including 12 emperors and 19 empresses and queens. The underground complex runs through 10 different vaults, each of which tells a chapter of Habsburg history through sarcophagi that are authentic works of funerary art.
The tradition of burying rulers in this sacred place began in 1633 and continued for almost four centuries, until 2023 with the burial of Yolande de Ligne. Among the most illustrious personalities laid to rest here are Empress Maria Theresa,Emperor Franz Joseph I, the famous Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) and Crown Prince Rudolf, whose personal and political vicissitudes have profoundly marked the history of Europe.
What makes this crypt unique is not only the historical importance of its guests, but also the artistry of the sarcophagi, created by the greatest artists of the time such as Balthasar Ferdinand Moll and Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt. Each tomb tells a story through imperial symbols, allegorical decorations and a style that reflects the artistic taste of the period in which they were made, from Baroque to Neoclassical.
The tour begins at the Founders’ Vault (Gründergruft), where the first members of the dynasty are buried in the crypt. Here lie the sarcophagi of Emperor Matthias (1557-1619) and his wife Anna of Tyrol (1585-1618), the visionaries who wanted this imperial burial place. Their tombs, built in the sober style of the 17th century, represent the beginning of a tradition that would characterise the House of Habsburg for centuries to come.
Particularly touching are the small sarcophagi of twelve children from the imperial family who died in infancy. Despite their small size, these tombs maintain imperial dignity with decorations appropriate to their rank, testifying to the high infant mortality rate even in the royal families of the time.
The Vault of Maria Theresa represents the artistic and symbolic heart of the crypt. Dominated by the imposing double sarcophagus of Empress Maria Theresa (1717-1780) and her consort Franz Stephan of Lorraine, this room is a masterpiece of Rococo funerary art. The sarcophagus, the work of Balthasar Ferdinand Moll, is decorated with symbols of the resurrection and eternal life, surrounded by angels, crowns and medallions narrating imperial virtues.
In stark contrast to the sumptuousness of his mother’s sarcophagus, the sarcophagus of his son Joseph II is distinguished by its neo-classical simplicity. The Enlightenment emperor, known for his progressive reforms, wanted to be buried in a simple copper coffin, reflecting his ideals of equality and modesty, in contrast to the Baroque pomp of his predecessors.
Franz Joseph’s Vault houses the sarcophagi of three of the most famous figures in Austrian history. In the centre is the tomb of Emperor Franz Joseph I (1830-1916), who reigned for 68 years and experienced some of the most dramatic moments of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His sarcophagus, made of dark bronze with sober decoration, reflects the austere character of the ruler.
Next to the emperor rests his wife Elisabeth of Bavaria (1837-1898), the legendary Sissi, who was murdered in Geneva by an Italian anarchist. Her tomb is always adorned with fresh garlands and flowers in Hungarian colours, testimony to the enduring affection of the Hungarian people for her who loved their country so much. On the opposite side is the sarcophagus of Crown Prince Rudolf (1858-1889), who died tragically in Mayerling in circumstances that have never been fully clarified.
Among the most spectacular works in the crypt are the four colossal Baroque sarcophagi located near the main entrance. The tombs of Leopold I and Joseph I, designed by Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt, feature exuberant decoration with lion paws, serpents and mythological birds typical of the mature Baroque period.
The sarcophagi of Charles VI and his wife, also the work of Balthasar Ferdinand Moll, follow the ‘he and she’ style with symmetrical decorations celebrating the conjugal union even in death. These funerary monuments represent the apogee of Baroque funerary art, combining artistic magnificence and religious symbolism in an ensemble of extraordinary expressive power.
Standard admission to the Crypt of the Capuchins costs €8.50 for adults. Reduced rates are available for students under 27 and over 60 at €7, while family tickets (2 adults + children) cost €18.50. Children under 6 years of age enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Tickets can be purchased directly on site at the ticket office located next to the entrance to the crypt, or online. Reservations are not necessary, but during peak season queues may form, especially at peak times between 14:00 and 16:00.
The Capuchin Crypt is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with last admission allowed at 5:30 p.m. The museum observes special closures on 1 and 2 November (All Saints’ Day and Commemoration of the Dead) out of respect for the sacred nature of the site and traditional religious celebrations.
During public holidays, opening times may vary, so it is advisable to check the official website or call +43 1 512 68 53 before visiting. The crypt is also open during Christmas markets and holidays, with the exception of 25 December when it is completely closed.
Access to the crypt is through a side door to the left of the Capuchin Church. It is important to note that the underground area has three steps to access Emperor Franz Joseph’s tomb and the burial chapel, while the other rooms are fully accessible without architectural barriers.
To visit the crypt completely, admiring all the sarcophagi and reading the historical information, 45-60 minutes are recommended, although a more in-depth visit with attention to artistic details can take up to 90 minutes.
The Capuchin Crypt is located at Tegetthoffstraße 2, in the heart of Vienna’s 1st district, in an extremely central and easily accessible location. The nearest underground station is Stephansplatz on the U1 and U3 lines, from where the crypt is about a 3-minute walk through Vienna’s picturesque old town.
Alternatively, you can use the Karlsplatz station on the U1, U2 and U4 lines, which is a 5-minute walk from the crypt. This route will allow you to admire the magnificent St Charles Borromeo Church on the way. Tram lines 1, 2, D, 71 and 62 stop at the Kärntner Ring/Oper or Schwarzenbergplatz stations, both within walking distance of the destination.
The crypt’s central location makes it easy to combine with visits to other imperial attractions such as the Hofburg Palace, which is only a 2-minute walk away, or St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which can be reached in 5 minutes. Those arriving by car can use the public car parks at Am Hof or Freyung, although the old town has traffic restrictions and public transport is the most practical option.
The Capuchin Crypt is located at Tegetthoffstraße 2 in the historic centre of Vienna, below the Church of St. Mary of the Angels in Neuer Markt.
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