Stephansdom

Stephansdom is the most iconic landmark in Vienna. Leaving the Albertina behind & heading towards the Danube river, right in the center of Innere Stadt one can find the most emblematic building of the city.

Stephansdom (St.Stephen’s Cathedral) is an impressive sample of southern German & Austrian Medieval, Romanesque & late Gothic architecture that has accompanied Vienna throughout its glorious history for almost a millennia.

The first Romanesque church was founded in 1137 & was solemnly dedicated in 1147 to Saint Stephen in the presence of the 1st Hohenstaufen King of Germany & other German nobles who were about to embark on the Second Crusade.

Recent discoveries suggest that the church was built on the site of an even older religious structure that dates back to the 4th century. In 1258 a great fire destroyed much of the original building which was replaced by a larger Romanesque church consecrated in 1263.

During the 14th century the Romanesque building acquired many of the impressive details we can see today like the Gothic nave choirs & its massive south tower (136 meters) that dominates the city’s skyline (actually the work began in 1368 but ended in 1433).

In 1469 Emperor Frederick III managed to convince Pope Paul II to grant Vienna its first bishop that was to be appointed directly by the Emperor, despite the year-long resistance by the Bishops of Passau who did not want to surrender the control of the area, the Diocese of Vienna was canonically established on January 1469.

Since then the cathedral has been the epicenter of the most significant historical moments in Austrian history, a treasure trove of art history & architecture & the burial ground of esteemed Viennese such as the Prince Eugene of Savoy & Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III.

Its wondrous limestone exteriors & its mosaic tiles roof, its magnificent statues, elaborate towers, its interior altars, portals, icons, pulpits, chapels, tombs & catacombs all create a mystical setting ideal for history buffs who get inspired by religious shrines of such importance.

With almost three million visitors per year St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the number one attraction in the city. Tours in and around the Cathedral feature plenty of worthwhile things to see and lots of interesting information.

You can also climb up St. Stephen’s Cathedral (South Tower, Türmer Stube), take the lift up to the Pummerin (North Tower), or go down into the catacombs. Detailed information about the cathedral is offered on the guided tours. More