Herzgruft, Chapel of Loreto in Augustinerkirche, Austria
The Herzgruft is a chapel with ornate decorations in the Augustinian Church in Vienna that serves as a burial chamber for the imperial family's hearts. The space contains numerous silver urns and religious artwork that emphasize the importance of this place for the Habsburgs.
The space was commissioned in 1627 by Empress Eleonora of Mantua and was meant to be a replica of Italy's Casa Sancta. Over time, the chapel became the preferred burial place for the hearts of Habsburg family members.
The chapel serves as a memorial space for the imperial family, and visitors can see the silver urns displayed here. This practice connects religious belief in the heart's sanctity with the Habsburg dynasty's family tradition.
Accessing the chapel requires climbing several steps, something to consider when planning a visit. The best time to visit is during the church's regular opening hours when the chapel is accessible to visitors.
The chapel houses the hearts of more than 50 members of the imperial family, a collection of major historical importance in Europe. This unusual burial practice shows how the Habsburgs interwove religion and power.
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