Schatzkammer, Vienna


	Schatzkammer (Treasury) At the top of a staircase from the Swiss Court lies the Imperial Treasury, the repository for the priceless treasures belonging to the Habsburgs. Divided into "Profane" and "Sacerdotal" collections, the treasury contains 1,000 years' worth of crowns, scepters, jewels, robes, oil paintings, and other riches. Outstanding exhibits include the huge imperial crown, dating from AD 962. Encrusted with diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies, this crown was taken to Nuremburg by Hitler but returned to its rightful home after the war. Another highlight is the Holy Lance, believed in medieval times to have pierced Christ on the cross. According to legend, whoever held the Holy Lance would be invincible. Address: Hofburg, Schweizerhof Vienna Austria Telephone: + (1) 533-7931