Agate Bowl, Vienna

#275 among attractions in Vienna

Museum, Art gallery

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Facts and practical information

The Agate Bowl is a hardstone carving in the shape of a bowl cut out of a single piece of agate, possibly in the fourth century at the court of Constantine, and now displayed in the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria. For centuries it was widely regarded as the "greatest masterpiece" and the "best and most important piece" in the collection. In 1564, Holy Roman Emperor Maximillian II and his brothers declared it by deed to be an "inalienable heirloom of the house of Austria". They valued this ancient precious stone carving, not just for its craftsmanship, but for a "natural miracle" in the stone itself that reveals a mysterious inscription—the name XRISTO at the bottom of the bowl within the grain of the stone. It is now generally believed that the inscription inspired the legend that the bowl was the Holy Grail. The Agate Bowl is the largest carved stone bowl in the world. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 48°12'24"N, 16°21'56"E

Address

Innere Stadt (Widmerviertel)Vienna Austria

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Day trips

Agate Bowl – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Hofburg, Spanish Riding School, Heldenplatz, Imperial Treasury.

~160 ftSE
Baroque palace complex with museums
Hofburg, Vienna
1 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Vienna, the Hofburg is a magnificent palace that stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Serving as the official residence of every Austrian ruler since 1275, it now houses some of the most important cultural...
~360 ftNE
Classical riding school with shows
Spanish Riding School, Vienna
2 min walk • The Spanish Riding School, an emblem of Vienna's imperial tradition, is a living testament to the art of classical horsemanship. Nestled within the Hofburg Palace complex, this esteemed institution has been cultivating the highest form of equestrian skills for over 450...
~430 ftSW
Public square with green space and statues
Heldenplatz, Vienna
3 min walk • Heldenplatz, or Heroes' Square, is a historic public space in the heart of Vienna, Austria, that carries with it the weight of the nation's history and a backdrop of grandiose architecture. The square is part of the Hofburg Palace complex, an imperial palace that has...
~160 ftE
Museum of Habsburg emperors' treasure
Imperial Treasury, Vienna
1 min walk • Nestled within the historic Hofburg Palace in the heart of Vienna, the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer) stands as a testament to the opulence and grandeur of the Habsburg dynasty. This museum houses a remarkable collection of secular and ecclesiastical treasures...
~700 ftNE
Architecture
Looshaus, Vienna
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Vienna, Austria, Looshaus stands as a testament to early modern architecture and a historical gem that continues to intrigue visitors and architecture enthusiasts alike. This historical place museum, located at Michaelerplatz 3, is an embodiment...
~660 ftNE
Historic church with tours and a crypt
St. Michael's Church, Vienna
4 min walk • St. Michael's Church, known as Michaelerkirche in German, is a historical and architectural gem nestled in the heart of Vienna, Austria. This sacred building, with its origins dating back to the 13th century, is a testament to the city's rich ecclesiastical history...
~630 ftSE
Storied church with Habsburg urns
Augustinian Church, Vienna
4 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Vienna, the Augustinian Church, or Augustinerkirche, is a historical and architectural gem that beckons tourists with its serene atmosphere and rich heritage. This parish church, situated on Josefsplatz, adjacent to the Hofburg Palace, has been...
~540 ftE
Palace, Historical place
Palais Pallavicini, Vienna
3 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Vienna, Austria, the Palais Pallavicini is a grand palace that exudes the opulence and grandeur of the city's aristocratic past. This magnificent building, with its ornate façade and sumptuous interiors, is a testament to the lavish lifestyle...
~810 ftNE
Museum, Cafe
Demel, Vienna
4 min walk • Demel is a famous pastry shop and chocolaterie established in 1786 in Vienna, Austria. The company bears the title of a Purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Court up to today.
~400 ftS
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
Ephesos Museum, Vienna
2 min walk • The Ephesos Museum in Vienna displays antiquities from the city of Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey. Begun in the late 19th century, the collection includes original works of sculpture and architecture, and belongs to the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
~930 ftE
Museum of city's Jewish life and history
Jewish Museum Vienna, Vienna
5 min walk • The Jüdisches Museum Wien, trading as Jüdisches Museum der Stadt Wien GmbH or the Jewish Museum Vienna, is a museum of Jewish history, life and religion in Austria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Agate Bowl?

Nearby attractions include Vienna Coronation Gospels, Vienna (1 min walk), Imperial Treasury, Vienna (1 min walk), Hofburg, Vienna (1 min walk), Austrian National Library, Vienna (2 min walk).

How to get to Agate Bowl by public transport?

The nearest stations to Agate Bowl:

Bus

Michaelerplatz • Lines: 1A, 2A (4 min walk)
Habsburgergasse • Lines: 1A, 2A (4 min walk)

Metro

Herrengasse • Lines: U3 (5 min walk)
Stephansplatz • Lines: U1, U3 (8 min walk)

Tram

Burgring • Lines: 1, 2, 71, D, U2Z (6 min walk)
Ring, Volkstheater • Lines: 1, 2, 46, 49, 71, D, U2Z (7 min walk)

Light rail

Oper, Karlsplatz • Lines: 62, Wlb (10 min walk)
Karlsplatz • Lines: 1, 62, Wlb (12 min walk)

Ferry

Nationalparkboot Lobau (19 min walk)

Train

Wien Mitte (22 min walk)
Wien Rennweg (32 min walk)