St. Stephen’s Cathedral – Austria’s proudest monument

Famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or Stephansdom, as it is known locally (also affectionately called Steffl by Viennese), is a central landmark of Vienna and one of the most recognizable attractions. It is a symbol of Vienna and a remarkable part of the city’s skyline. Located in Stephansplatz, it dominates the area with its splendor.

Originally built in the 12th century, the cathedral has been destroyed, rebuilt, and renovated several times through its rich history and now it is a living monument consisting of several styles – Gothic (mostly) Romanesque and Baroque.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral was dedicated to St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and church services are active to this date. The cathedral hosts many performances of both choral and orchestral music and tourists can attend Sunday service. It is considered that Mozart’s Requiem sounds the most magnificent when performed in the cathedral.

The cathedral complex consists of a church, north and south towers, catacombs, and a treasury. The south tower is almost 137 meters tall. There is a total of 13 bells and the largest one, Pummerin, is hanging in the north tower. This bell is rung only on special occasions.

A popular attraction is a roof walk, where visitors can observe the great view of Vienna. The roof is designed with mosaic tiles creating an image of an Imperial double-headed eagle with a coat of arms of the city of Vienna. You can climb to both north and south tower and also visit catacombs.

There are several important historical figures buried in sarcophaguses and catacombs such as Emperor Friedrich III, Prince Eugene of Savoy, and Habsburg duke Rudolph IV.

There are several chapels in the cathedral, most notable being Tirna Chapel, Catherine Chapel, St. Barbara’s chapel, and Eligius Chapel.

There is a cathedral treasury hosting many historical religious relics and texts of significant importance.

Due to its central location in Vienna’s Innere Stadt, it is usually starting point in the exploration of Vienna and a popular meeting place. A visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a must when visiting Vienna and Austria.

Visiting of church premises is free, except during the mass (when you can visit as a churchgoer, not as a tourist). There are regular classical music concerts with paid entrance, but they are usually held in the evening, so there is plenty of time to explore church during the day.

Interesting facts about Stephansdom

• The mosaic on the roof consists of over 230,000 colored tiles.
• One of the church bells, the Pummerin, is the 2nd largest free-swinging church bell in Europe.
• Stephansdom is one of the most popular venues for classical music concerts in Vienna.
• The cathedral is so popular, it is featured on ten cents Euro coins made in Austria.
• Among many statues and ornaments, there is one nicknamed ‘Christ with a toothache’ due to the peculiar head position of Christ in the statue.
• The famous Maria Pötsch Icon was reportedly seen ‘crying’ several times.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Here are the essential facts, figures, and visitor information:

Facts and Figures

History and Architecture

• Construction Began: 1137
• Consecrated: 1147
• Gothic Rebuild: Major Gothic reconstruction began in 1359 under Duke Rudolf IV.
• Completion: The cathedral was largely completed by 1511, but ongoing additions and restorations have continued over the centuries.
• Height: The south tower (Steffl) stands at 136 meters (446 feet), making it the tallest structure in Vienna until the 20th century.
• Roof: The colorful, patterned tile roof, featuring the Habsburg dynasty’s coat of arms, is one of the most distinctive features of the cathedral.

Interior and Features

• Pulpit: The 1515 pulpit, carved from limestone, is a prime example of late Gothic sculpture.
• High Altar: Completed in 1647, it is an exquisite Baroque masterpiece.
• Organ: The main organ is one of the largest in Austria, with over 12,000 pipes.
• Catacombs: Beneath the cathedral, the catacombs house the remains of thousands, including many members of the Habsburg family.
• Tombs: The tomb of Emperor Frederick III is a notable feature, made from red marble and intricately detailed.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

• Cathedral:
  • Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Sunday and Public Holidays: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Guided Tours: Offered at various times throughout the day; specific schedules can be found on the official website.
• Catacombs:
  • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
  • Sunday and Public Holidays: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Towers:
  • North Tower (accessible by elevator): 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
  • South Tower (accessible by stairs): 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Admission Fees

• Cathedral Entrance: Free
• Guided Tours:
  • Adult: €6.00
  • Concessions: €4.50
  • Children (6-14 years): €2.50
• Catacombs Tour:
  • Adult: €6.00
  • Concessions: €4.50
  • Children (6-14 years): €2.50
• North Tower (Pummerin Bell):
  • Adult: €6.00
  • Concessions: €5.00
  • Children (6-14 years): €2.50
• South Tower:
  • Adult: €5.50
  • Concessions: €4.50
  • Children (6-14 years): €2.00

Facilities and Services

• Accessibility: The main areas of the cathedral are accessible to those with mobility issues. The North Tower is accessible by elevator.
• Restrooms: Available within the cathedral premises.
• Gift Shop: Located inside the cathedral, offering souvenirs, religious items, and books.
• Café: Nearby cafés offer refreshments and local cuisine.

Special Events and Services

• Mass: Regular Mass services are held daily. Check the official website for schedules.
• Concerts: The cathedral hosts classical music concerts and organ recitals, featuring works by renowned composers such as Mozart and Haydn.
• Special Tours: Occasionally, themed tours focusing on architecture, history, and art are available.

How to Get There

• Public Transport:
  • Subway (U-Bahn): U1 and U3 lines to “Stephansplatz” station.
  • Tram: Various tram lines stop within walking distance.
  • Bus: Several bus routes pass near the cathedral.
• Walking: St. Stephen’s Cathedral is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from many key attractions in Vienna.

Visitor Tips

• Early Arrival: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
• Proper Attire: As an active place of worship, visitors are expected to dress respectfully. Shoulders should be covered, and hats removed upon entering.
• Photography: Non-flash photography is typically allowed, but be respectful during religious services.
• Climbing the Towers: Climbing the South Tower involves 343 steps; be prepared for a strenuous ascent. The view from the top is well worth the effort.
• Plan Ahead: Check the cathedral’s official website or contact the visitor information center for any changes in hours, special events, or tour availability.

Conclusion

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a must-visit landmark in Vienna, offering a blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural significance. Whether you’re exploring its towering spires, intricate interiors, or the serene atmosphere, a visit to Stephansdom provides a memorable experience.