Maria Anna Ricciarda Carolina Margherita Pia of Savoy (19 September 1803 – 4 May 1884) was the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary through her marriage to Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria. She was born into royalty as a Princess of Savoy and was the daughter of King Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia and Maria Theresa of Austria-Este.
| Full Name | Maria Anna Ricciarda Carolina Margherita Pia of Savoy |
| Birth | 19 September 1803, Palazzo Colonna, Rome |
| Death | 4 May 1884, Prague |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Father | King Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia |
| Mother | Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria-Este |
| Siblings | Twin sister Maria Teresa and other siblings |
| Marriage | Ferdinand I of Austria |
| Crowned Titles | Empress of Austria, Queen of Hungary, Queen of Bohemia |
| Languages Spoken | French (preferred), did not learn German |
| Date of Marriage | 12 February 1831 (Turin, procuration), 27 February 1831 (Vienna, in person) |
| Coronation as Empress | 1835 |
| Coronation as Queen of Bohemia | 12 September 1836 |
| Children | None |
| Resting Place | Imperial Crypt, Vienna |
| Charity Work | Engaged in local charity work in Prague |
Early Life and Family
Maria Anna was born on 19 September 1803 in the Palazzo Colonna in Rome. She had a twin sister, Maria Teresa, and both were baptized by Pope Pius VII. Their godparents were their maternal grandparents, Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Este and Maria Beatrice Ricciarda d’Este. Within her family, she was affectionately known as “Pia.”
Marriage and Role as Empress
On 12 February 1831, Maria Anna married Ferdinand V of Hungary, who was the heir to the Austrian Empire at the time. They were married in Turin by procuration and later celebrated a formal wedding in Vienna. At the time of her marriage, Maria Anna was considered older than most brides of royal families, but this was seen positively, as it implied she was mature, religious, and easy to manage.
When her husband became Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria in 1835, Maria Anna was crowned Empress. Her tenure as empress saw her crowned Queen of Bohemia in Prague on 12 September 1836.
Life as Empress
Maria Anna preferred to speak French rather than German, which was common at the Austrian court. Despite her lack of influence in governmental affairs, she was widely respected for her supportive role to her husband, who had health issues that prevented him from managing state affairs. Maria Anna described herself as his “nurse,” highlighting her care and dedication to him throughout their marriage.
Though she was popular among the people, she had no children with Ferdinand. During the Revolution of 1848, Maria Anna’s position became complex. She initially supported Metternich’s policies but later, alongside her sister-in-law Sophie of Bavaria, withdrew her support.
Ferdinand abdicated on 2 December 1848, and the couple retired from public life. They spent their remaining years in Prague, where Maria Anna remained involved in local charity efforts.
Death and Legacy
Maria Anna died on 4 May 1884 in Prague. She was buried alongside her husband in the Imperial Crypt in Vienna. Though she played a quieter role in the history of the Austrian Empire, her devotion to Ferdinand and her popularity in Prague ensured her a place of respect in history.
Net Worth Table
| 1831 | Royal Dowry, Assets | Marriage to Ferdinand I, Royal Allowances |
| 1835 | Empress of Austria Assets | Title of Empress, Royal Properties and Estates |
| 1848 | Modest | Following Ferdinand’s abdication, limited role |
| 1884 | Modest | Personal wealth through charity and royal assets |
Maria Anna’s exact net worth is difficult to ascertain due to historical changes, but as part of the Austrian royal family, she enjoyed the privileges of the empire’s wealth. However, following her husband’s abdication, she lived a quieter life with limited political influence.
