Imperial collections of the Hapsburgs – Travel Photo Mondays
It’s Monday morning, time to enjoy some gorgeous travel photography and inspiration from around the world. Let’s banish those Monday blues by sharing beautiful imagery and personal story telling. You can also check us out on Twitter for Travel Photo Mondays at #tpMondays for more updates and submissions for the day.
Imperial collections of the Hapsburgs
The Imperial collection of the Hapsburgs is housed in a permanent collection of its own and located next to the Hofburg palace. These royal treasures and secular gifts and tributes to the Hapsburg rulers are truly spectacular to see and enjoy. If you are into royal treasures, then put this on your must visit museums for Vienna. Located in the oldest section of the Hofburg palace, the treasury houses over 21 rooms of very rare imperial treasure from the Hapsburg dynasty.
Imperial crown of the Holy Roman Empire
Royal Hapsburg jewels and crowns
It’s all about the jewels
There are many jeweled crowns located in the treasury, including the imperial crown, orb and scepter of the Hapsburg emperor (first photograph). Most of these royal treasures are housed in the secular rooms of the museum. Royal regalia were used primarily in ceremonies to attest the political power, geographic reach and wealth of the House of Hapsburg. It looks like they loved to cram in jewels into every accessory and royal adornment just to how significant the Hapsburg rulers were during the height of their rule in Western and Eastern Europe.
The royal crown of the Hapsburg empress
Royal Hapsburg crowns
Royal jewelry of the Hapsburg treasures
Precious metals and jewelry
Outside of the imperial regalia, there are separate precious jewels including the largest emerald in the world which you can view. The rarest of jewels including rubies and emeralds were fashioned into elaborate brooches, earrings, necklaces and other fashion accessories. (above photo). Even the royal cloaks and clothing were adorned with precious metals and jewelry and there are room after room of elaborate cloaks, gowns and royal attire and accessories to gawk at and admire the precious craftsmanship and artwork of the royal fabricators and artists.
Hapsburg jewelry collections
Nail crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Holy treasures of the Hapsburg collections
A large section of ecclesiastical collections or holy treasures are sectioned off in a separate part of the collection. These consist of holy treasures of devotional altars, images and holy treasures. In typical Roman Catholic excess, the treasures are encased in elaborate and finely made casings or reliquary. Most of these treasures are elaborate and produced during the baroque period, known for high craft and rococo details. The most important holy treasures include what was believed to be remnants or articles of objects during the time of Jesus Christ. This included: what was believed to be the holy grail, a part of Jesus’ crucifixion cross fashioned into an elaborate jewel crusted cross. The reliquary above has a nail driven into Jesus hand during his crucifixion. The treasure below is a shroud of Jesus Christ also known as the Veil of Veronica.
Holy shroud of Jesus Christ
Miniature treasures of the Hapsburg collections
Miniature treasures
The Hapsburg collections also have within its extensive jewelry collection miniature treasures including pendants, rings and brooches. Many included figures like cupids, along with the requisite gold, precious jewels and pearls like the brooch above. Beautifully crafted designs and ornamental details were expertly created with royal artisans that made exquisite miniatures for the royals pleasure. It is amazing to see such a fine collection of miniature portraits, lockets, Faberge eggs and jewelry fashioned with elaborate precious metals and rare jewels, the Miniature collection truly dazzles!
Miniature treasures of the Hapsburg collections
Thanks for visiting the Imperial collections of the Hapsburgs for Travel Photo Mondays, hope you enjoyed the tour. Please do check out the other bloggers participating for today’s linkup below.
We were just there on our September trip that included a stop in Vienna. We spent a very rainy day being dazzled by the objects you have photographed some beautifully. My favorite line, “In typical Roman Catholic excess…..” Let’s hope the Pope is not a Travel Photo Discovery subscriber!
it’s amazing that these are real and not just costume jewelry. The crowns are incredible. I find the shroud interesting since I’ve head a lot about the Shroud of Turin but nothing about this one. I wonder how many purported shrouds of Christ are out there.
Spectacular! I wonder what some of the gold and jewel encrusted crowns weighed … And I imagine the velvet and satin clothing with adornments, while impressive, would be equally uncomfortable! Loved the fine details of the miniatures. True examples of lifestyles of the rich and famous!
That is a great collection of treasures, Noel! It really does show impressively which importance the Habsburg family once had. Travelling through Istria, I am being reminded of that as well since this area once used to be the Mediterranean coast of the former Austrian empire…
Hi Noel, I almost forgot how magnificent the Hapsburg collections are. I remember fantasizing wearing some of those over the top jewelries. Your photos are incredible. Once again, great job in this low light situation.
Gosh the opulence – just too much, but what an interesting family and how much they have to answer for in various countries around Europe. Your photos are stunning as ever.
The jewels are indeed impressively beautiful Noel… but I’d agree with you, they are excessive in ornamentation, as expected with royalty. Must confess though gilded angels are always stunning! Bravo to capturing so much detail in low light 🙂
It is hard to imagine the everyday opulence of their lifestyle until you see it in person. Nice work “on the fly.” We’re so jaded nowadays that some of these don’t look real.
I know, I really lucked out, but as usual no tripods or flash allowed and it was extremely dark in a lot of these rooms, so I was praying for the best and some did make it through along with a bag of tricks.
Hi, I'm Noel, a writer and photographer based in San Francisco and Hawaii. I write about delicious food and wine indulgences, thoughtful luxury, and adventure travel. I share camera tips and techniques while exploring new and unusual places around the world. My site explores culture and history, art and architecture, world heritage sites, exotic locals, along with nature tours and natural landscapes worldwide. Quite a mixed bag of curiosities and quirky interests, just like myself.
The Imperial collection of the Hapsburgs is now at the top of my list should I ever make it to Vienna. Beautiful photography!
Wow talk about some eye candy! I LOVE that necklace and earrings. I bet a replica would cost a pretty penny.
We were just there on our September trip that included a stop in Vienna. We spent a very rainy day being dazzled by the objects you have photographed some beautifully. My favorite line, “In typical Roman Catholic excess…..” Let’s hope the Pope is not a Travel Photo Discovery subscriber!
A crown at the dinner table might be fun to wear for an hour but I bet those things weighed a ton. Love your first photo!
In addition to having incredible jewels, those Hapsburgs really knew how to build a palace!
Stunning photos of stunning treasures. The Hapsburgs are a most interesting part of history, aren’t they?
Talking about decadent ….the miniatures are my favorites! Am also surprised they would allow photography.
Amazing jewels – what a treasurehouse! And your photos (of course!) are stunning.
Hi Noel
What exquisite treasures these are! I was particularly fascinated by the holy shroud –that is so unusual to see.
it’s amazing that these are real and not just costume jewelry. The crowns are incredible. I find the shroud interesting since I’ve head a lot about the Shroud of Turin but nothing about this one. I wonder how many purported shrouds of Christ are out there.
What beautiful gems..those pearls are especially nice. Great job capturing the detail in such challenging light conditions!
Amazing. Those crowns must be so heavy! Thanks for hosting. I have been missing for a few weeks.
Spectacular! I wonder what some of the gold and jewel encrusted crowns weighed … And I imagine the velvet and satin clothing with adornments, while impressive, would be equally uncomfortable! Loved the fine details of the miniatures. True examples of lifestyles of the rich and famous!
That is a great collection of treasures, Noel! It really does show impressively which importance the Habsburg family once had. Travelling through Istria, I am being reminded of that as well since this area once used to be the Mediterranean coast of the former Austrian empire…
Hi Noel, I almost forgot how magnificent the Hapsburg collections are. I remember fantasizing wearing some of those over the top jewelries. Your photos are incredible. Once again, great job in this low light situation.
woww they look so exquisite and gorgeous … what a beautiful collection.
Gosh the opulence – just too much, but what an interesting family and how much they have to answer for in various countries around Europe. Your photos are stunning as ever.
The jewels are indeed impressively beautiful Noel… but I’d agree with you, they are excessive in ornamentation, as expected with royalty. Must confess though gilded angels are always stunning! Bravo to capturing so much detail in low light 🙂
It is hard to imagine the everyday opulence of their lifestyle until you see it in person. Nice work “on the fly.” We’re so jaded nowadays that some of these don’t look real.
Wow what an amazing collection! Great photos as usual.
Amazing pictures. it must have been difficult to take those pictures with the lights reflecting in the gems.
Noel, Wow! Can you just imagine? I would glady wear any of those jewels and crowns! Great photos! I’m surprised they allowed photography!
I know, I really lucked out, but as usual no tripods or flash allowed and it was extremely dark in a lot of these rooms, so I was praying for the best and some did make it through along with a bag of tricks.
Beautiful…