The Schatzkammer is an absolute must for any discerning traveller to Vienna. Housed in the oldest part of the Hofburg Palace, it holds some of the finest pieces of medieval craftsmanship in Europe. Among its highlights are the crown of the Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian imperial crown of 1604 and the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece, the highest order of chivalry in the western world. Marvel at the Habsburgs’ "inalienable heirlooms" or the gilt-silver cradle of Napoleon’s son, at priceless jewels and the world’s largest emerald crystal cut into a receptacle for ointment. The Ecclesiastical Treasury is home to one of the finest collections of objects reflecting the religious zeal of the catholic Habsburgs. Another jewel is the Grand Hall of the former Court Library on Josefsplatz. With over 200,000 volumes displayed on the original 18th century shelves, its historic globes and mind-blowing baroque frescoes it certainly ranks among the finest historic libraries in the world. It is a feast for the eye not to be missed.
