Places of Interest in Vienna

Imperial Armoury (Hofjagd und Rüstkammer)

Heidenplatz, Neue Burg, A-1010, Wien, Tel: 525 24460, Website: www.khm.at, U-Bahn: Herrengasse 
Another of Vienna’s first rate museums with one of the foremost collections of armour and weaponry that you’re likely to find anywhere. Items on display date back to the 15th century, while pride of place goes to the numerous suits of armour, many of which belonged to the most powerful kings and nobles in Europe. The quality of workmanship, especially that of the Italian armourers is quite awe inspiring, particularly the ornate metalwork and etching on the ceremonial suits of armour.

As well as armour, there are excellent displays of ceremonial arms and firearms, with many of the pistols and flintlocks dating from the 16th century. In addition, you’ll find weapons used by the Turks as they attempted to drive their Empire westward, and it’s certainly interesting to note the contrasts between Turkish and European weaponry!