and rubies. The imperial orb and the sceptre are similar. The diamond crown of the reigning Empress is magnificent and is worth more than half a million of florins. There are several orders of the Golden Fleece, all set with fine diamonds. The diamond necklace which the Empress Maria Theresa received on her marriage is superb. The Florentine diamond bigger than the size of a half rupee was once the property of Charles the Bold of Burgundy, and is one of the largest diamonds in the world.
In the same room are the regalia of a still older date, but modern scepticism has questioned much of what was hitherto believed. There is no proof that the sword shewn as the sword of Charlemagne ever belonged to that Emperor, or was received by him from Harounar Rushid. Nor is it now accepted as a fact that the Book of the Holy Gospel was found on the knees of Charlemagne's cropse when his tomb was opened in 997.
The emperor's stables with its fine collection of horses of all sizes and breeds are well worth a visit. The carriage room contains a large number of Stables.sumptuous carriages, some of which are historical. The carriage used by Napoleon Bonaparte when crowned king of Italy, and the magnificent carriage used by the father of Maria Theresa, are among the most important. There are also carriages and sledges used by Empress Maria Theresa.
The Prater is an extensive and beautiful park, Prater.being to Vienna what the Bois de Boulogne is to Paris.
