Kaisergruft

The Kaisergruft beneath the Kapuzinerkirche (Church of the Capuchin Friars) is the final resting place of most of the Habsburg royal family (the hearts and organs reside in Augustinerkirche and Stephansdom, respectively). Opened in 1633, it was instigated by Empress Anna (1585–1618), and her body and that of her husband, Emperor Matthias (1557–1619), were the first to be entombed. Since then, all but three of the Habsburg dynasty found their way here. Fashions change over time, and this also goes for a decent Habsburg farewell. Tombs range from the sleek and unadorned to the fiddly and pompously baroque, such as the huge double sarcophagus containing Maria Theresia and Franz Stephan. The tomb of Charles VI is also striking – both of these are the work of Balthasar Moll.