Vienna’s Catacombs – Michaelerplatz 

Vienna’s Catacombs – Michaelerplatz

Some of you may be familiar with Vienna’s Kapuzinergruft – the place where the Habsburg’s were buried. Some of you may have also visited the Stephansdom and the cathedral’s catacombs. But did you know that there’s another place filled with skulls, bones and human remains? Let us introduce you to Vienna’s catacombs at the Michaelerplatz:

Located right next to the Hofburg, you’ll find the  Michaelerkirche, a beautiful church founded in the 13th century. The Michaelerkirche was once surrounded by its own cemetery. However, as it was too close to the imperial Hofburg, it was abolished in 1508, by the orders of emperor Maximilian I. However, the Michaelerkirche was used as a burial church at an early stage. Bones estimated to be 600 years old were found under the church pavement. It was not until the second half of the 16th century that the construction of individual tombs began. When the Salvatorians took over the administration of the church in 1923, they found coffins stacked in the crypt.

The catacombs are a rare opportunity to explore underground tunnels and caverns. The subterranean labyrinth is a unique and atmospheric experience that is not to be missed. Today you can visit the catacombs as part of an official tour, more information can be found here.

If you are interested in the dark history of Vienna, the history of graveyards and death, check out our private tours here