Centuries of architectural genius, artistic endeavour and fascinating history are packed into Vienna's most important religious structure.
The needle-like tower of St Stephen's Cathedral is not only an important feature on the Viennese skyline, it is also home to a dazzling array of prominent art, emperors' tombs and breathtaking altars.
As the seat of the city's archbishop, St Stephen's is the most important religious edifice in the whole of Austria and the architecture, artworks and history of the building reflect this status. The site of the cathedral has been home to a church bearing St Stephen's name since 1147 and, over the centuries, reconstructions, additions and renovations have given the structure a broad collection of differing yet complementary architectural styles.
The church's west wall is the oldest surviving feature and dates from 1237, while the majority of the Gothic edifice was built in the 14th and 15th centuries. During World War II, St Stephen's was extensively damaged by fire but it was quickly and faithfully renovated to leave it as one of Vienna's most impressive religious buildings, from the roof, made of over 230,000 colourful glazed tiles, to the incredible Wiener Neustädter altar, adorned with intricate sacred sculptures and pictures.
The cathedral is open to the public when there are no services or state occasions planned and it is worth a visit for the opulent artwork, not to mention its 18 altars, an exquisitely carved Gothic pulpit and the famous 17th-century Maria Pötsch icon, which is said to have amazed worshippers by shedding real tears.
In the bowels of the cathedral is the magnificent tomb of Emperor Frederick III and, if you brave the 343 steps of the North Tower, you'll be rewarded with spectacular city views. The tower is also home to an enormous 20,130-kilogramme bell which tolls only on New Year and on the arrival of a new pope.
St Stephen’s Cathedral is on the central square of Stephansplatz and is easily accessible on foot or via public transport. There is no admission charge and the church is open every day, with reduced hours on Sundays and public holidays. Guided tours of the catacombs and other areas not generally on view are available for a small fee.
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