HOFBURG, Imperial Treasury

The innermost part of the Hofburg, built on the site of the old medieval castle, is the Swiss Court, named for the nationality of the soldiers who made up Maria Theresa's guardhouse. It is entered through a beautiful Renaissance portal from the mid-16th century, the time of Archduke Maximilian I, to whom we owe the current appearance of the complex.

At the back of the courtyard, an external staircase leads to the simple, atmospheric court chapel; below is access to the extraordinary array of gold and precious objects that form the imperial treasury, the Schatzkammer.

The collection is divided into two parts: secular treasure and sacred treasure. The former comprises objects laden with symbolic meaning, related to solemn court ceremonies or intended to highlight imperial power: crowns, globes, scepters and swords, all studded with gems. Precious gifts received from other rulers, and the robes worn by the princes on the occasion of their baptism, can also be admired. The collection is also enriched by objects related to Napoleon and his family, such as a beautiful carved and gilded cradle.

The sacred treasure section, on the other hand, contains a number of objects made from the finest of materials and of inestimable historical value and artistic merit. One example is the gold and enamel crown made by goldsmiths in southern Germany in the 10th century for the coronation of Otto I, or the fabulous, grand purple and gold cloak, with a motif featuring lions and dromedaries, woven in Palermo in 1133 for the coronation of Roger II. Also part of this section are reliquaries and other sacred objects made of gold, ivory and precious stones, belonging to various emperors. A masterpiece of textile art is the series of solemn priestly vestments from the 15th century, embellished with figures of saints and scenes from the life of Christ, embroidered based on refined designs by Flemish painters.

An interesting fact: On Sunday mornings, a Mass is celebrated in the court chapel, accompanied by the Vienna Boys' Choir, founded in 1498 and composed of around 100 youths. Both the venue and the Mass are deeply evocative, but given the limited number of seats, tickets must be secured by the previous Friday.