St. Stephen's Cathedral
Ideal: Essential for first-time visitors to Vienna.
The 136-meter south tower rose between 1359 and 1433; 343 steps lead to the watchman's room at the top. About 230,000 glazed tiles cover the roof in a mosaic of the Habsburg double-headed eagle and Vienna's coat of arms. The Pummerin bell in the north tower was first cast from Ottoman cannons left after the 1683 siege, fell in the 1945 fire, and was recast in 1951. In the catacombs below, copper vessels once held Habsburg organs.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1137
- Architectural style
- Romanesque architecture
- Height
- 136 m
- Length
- 107 m
- Heritage status
- Listed objects in Austria
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
What is the pattern on the roof?
230,000 glazed tiles form two coats of arms: the double-headed Habsburg eagle on one side and the arms of the city of Vienna on the other. The roof burned in 1945 and was rebuilt with donations.
What is beneath the church?
The catacombs hold urns containing the internal organs of the Habsburgs, along with mass burial chambers from the plague years containing thousands of remains. They can be seen on guided tours.
What are the notches on the outside wall for?
Two grooves on the façade were the medieval standard units of length; anyone buying cloth at market could check the seller's measure against them. A ring beside them served to check the size of loaves.
Why go?
- To see Vienna's most iconic religious landmark
- For the tower climb and city views
- As a perfect starting point for the historic center
Travel tip
Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
