St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna description. Vienna st stephan's cathedral, austria medieval monument
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Austria) - description, history, location. Exact address and website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.
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St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol not only of Vienna, but of the whole of Austria. Its majestic spire, rising 136 m, is visible from most areas of the capital. The grandiose Gothic cathedral on the main square of the city is known not only for its external beauty, but for its numerous relics: icons, church utensils and world-class works of art. “Steffi,” as the Viennese lovingly call him, survived the previous 700 years almost without loss, survived many wars, but in our time he could not protect himself from simple human stupidity. And yet, looking at the stunning mosaic roof, pointed vaults and impressive stained glass windows, I want to believe that St. Stephen's Cathedral will never disappear from the Viennese landscape.
Story
The history of "Steffi" began in 1359, when the first stone of the new Vienna Catholic Cathedral was laid. Its dominant feature, the South Tower, took almost a century to build.
The North Tower, founded in 1450, was supposed to be no less majestic. However, it was never completed, frozen at a height of 70 m.
Today, observation platforms are open in both towers, allowing you to admire the picturesque views of the city.
The temple was almost undamaged during the bombing of World War II, but was heavily destroyed by looters' arson in April 1945. The north tower fell along with the legendary Pummerin bell, and the decorations were destroyed in the fire.
Restoration work was carried out with private donations from the Viennese. “Steffi” opened its doors again only in 1952. Its restoration continues to this day.
What to see
Today, a total of 23 bells are installed in the belfries of the temple. The main one - the updated Pummerin weighing 21 tons - is located in its usual place, in the North Tower. He calls only 11 times a year - on major holidays. And the hourly ringing, familiar to every crown, is provided by 11 bells of the South Tower.
It’s as if the gingerbread roof of the cathedral was assembled from 230 thousand tiles.
In the crypt there is a Habsburg family tomb, and in its eastern wing there are catacombs. Ordinary Viennese were also buried in this underground cemetery.
Practical information
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday - 6:00-22:00, Sunday - 7:00-22:00.
Entrance to all attractions (cathedral, catacombs, South and North towers, treasury) with audio guide: 14.90 EUR. Prices on the page are for April 2019.
Cathedral St. Stephen's in Vienna (Stephansdom) - a huge Catholic cathedral, which is the main attraction and symbol of Vienna.
The content of the article
History of the construction of St. Stephen's Cathedral
The first cathedral in honor of the patron saint of Austria, St. Stephen, began to be built in 1137, and was completed 10 years later. It was a Romanesque style cathedral. But in 1258 the cathedral burned down in a fire.
In April 1359, construction began on a new Catholic cathedral, in gothic style. The south tower, whose height is 137 m, took almost 100 years to build. Construction of the north tower of St. Stephen's began in 1450. The northern tower of the cathedral was never completed; its height is 68.3 m. The towers now house observation platforms from which a magnificent view of Vienna opens.
St Stephen's Cathedral was not damaged by bombing during the war, but was damaged by fire in April 1945. The northern tower collapsed and the huge Pummerin bell fell and broke, the interior of the cathedral was almost completely destroyed.
The restoration work of St. Stephen's Cathedral was carried out with money from the townspeople and voluntary donations. The cathedral reopened its doors to parishioners in April 1952. And the restoration of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna continues to this day.
The roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral is covered with 230,000 tiles.
There are 23 bells in the belfries of St. Stephen's Cathedral. One of them, the new Pummerin bell, which weighs 21,383 kg, is located in the north tower. It rings only 11 times a year - on major holidays. But for daily ringing there are 11 bells located in the southern tower.
In St. Stephen's Cathedral there is a tomb of the Habsburg dynasty, and in the eastern part of St. Stephen's Cathedral there is an underground cemetery - catacombs.
How to get to St. Stephen's Cathedral?
The cathedral is located in Vienna at Stephansplatz 1, Stephansplatz Square. You can get there by metro U1, U3 to the metro station of the same name “Stephansplatz”. From the Vienna Opera it takes literally 5 minutes to walk straight along the pedestrian street.
St. Stephen's Cathedral: opening hours and cost of visiting
St. Stephen's Cathedral is active Catholic cathedral, open to the public from 6:00 to 22:00 from Monday to Saturday and from 7:00 to 22:00 on Sunday.
If you plan to visit St. Stephen's Cathedral with your guide, then this can be done from 9:00 to 11:30 and from 13:00 to 16:30, and on Sundays and public holidays from 13:00 to 16:30.
Monday to Saturday, 10:30 am at St. Stephen's Cathedral There is a 30 minute excursion to English language. The cost of the excursion is 5 euros per person.
Catacombs can be visited with a guided tour, which lasts about 30 minutes, runs from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30 and from 13:30 to 16:30, on Sunday from 13:30 to 16:30. The cost of visiting the catacombs of St. Stephen's Cathedral is 5 euros per person.
You should definitely go up to one of the observation platforms in the cathedral towers. In the southern tower, at an altitude of almost 137 m, there is an observation deck, which can be reached by climbing 343 steps.
Operating hours of the observation deck in the South Tower of St. Stephen: from 9:00 to 17:30. The cost of visiting is 4 euros for an adult ticket, 2 euros for children 15-18 years old, 1.5 euros for children 6-14 years old. The entrance to the observation deck of the South Tower is on the right when looking at the cathedral from the outside.
Observation deck on the North Tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral is open from 9:00 to 17:30 and from 19:00 to 21:30. The cost of visiting is 5 euros for an adult ticket and 2 euros for a child ticket. The entrance to the North Tower is located inside the cathedral, on the left. There is an elevator to the North Tower, which is important for those who don’t like to walk uphill, or for those who are already tired of skiing, like us, for example 😎
You can buy a comprehensive ticket for 16 euros and visit all the attractions of St. Stephen's Cathedral listed above.
St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. Review. Video
We visited the main attraction twice. The first time, on the day we arrived in Vienna, we just walked around the city, took the metro from ours to the Vienna Opera and walked along the pedestrian street.
Walking along a pedestrian street in Vienna 
Christmas trees on the streets of Vienna 
The streets of Vienna are decorated for Christmas and New Year Very soon we reached Stephansplatz Square.
In the square near St. Stephen's Cathedral 
Christmas tree near St. Stephen's Cathedral Cathedral St. Stephen's amazes with its size. We tried to photograph him this way and that, but he still wouldn’t fit into the frame. That’s why we only have pieces of the cathedral in the photos 😎
That evening, a divine service was taking place inside St. Stephen's Cathedral and we were not allowed further than the entrance.
The second time we purposefully went to Stefansdom to climb the observation deck in the North Tower. I knew in advance that I didn’t want to climb the steps to the South Tower, although I assumed that the view from it was better than from the North Tower.
And we saw these views of evening Vienna.
By the way, there in the distance is the famous Vienna Ferris Wheel.
Here you can see the famous Vienna Ferris wheel in the distance I really wanted to ride it, but we didn’t have time. So next time there will be a reason to return to Vienna!
And here is a video taken from the observation deck of St. Stephen's Cathedral
On Viewpoint of St. Stephen's Cathedral There are these machines installed, where for 1 euro and for 2.5 euros you can get information about the opening panorama on different languages. There is no Russian language there yet.
We also took the elevator down and rested a bit inside the cathedral.
and went to look for where to have a delicious dinner. I will tell you about delicious places in Vienna very soon. Subscribe to updates to receive new articles by e-mail.
Located on St. Stephen's Square Vienna St. Stephen's Cathedral, which the Viennese call the soul of their city. Its southern tower reaches a height of almost 137 meters - it is the third tallest tower in central Europe. The Viennese affectionately call her Steffl. St. Stephen's Cathedral is the symbol of the city. It is named after the first Christian saint, Stephen, a Jerusalem martyr who was stoned to death for his faith. The cathedral has become a symbol of centuries-old resilience. Since the 9th century, when a more modest church stood in its place, the city center has experienced attacks and rampages from many invaders.
During the plague of 1679, there was a cemetery here; about one hundred thousand people were buried in this place. At first, there was a small Roman-style chapel in the middle of the cemetery. Her remains were found during reconstruction in the 20th century. In 1258, the building was destroyed by fire; only the foundation survived. A new cathedral was built in 1304, but this time in the Gothic style. It increased with each century. The foundations of the first tower were laid in 1359, and the second was completed almost 100 years later because the main architect, Hans Puxpaum, fell from the scaffolding. The wooden pulpit is the work of Anton Pilgram, who immortalized his image in one of the statues of the cathedral.
The red marble tombstone of Frederick III was carved over the course of 30 years and was completed only because the customer urgently needed it. Of the famous historical figures Frederick III, Rudolf IV and Eugene of Savoy are buried here.
St. Stephen's Cathedral was constantly decorated and wherever you look, being in it or next to it, you will see miracles everywhere: amazing stonework, sculptural reliefs, and if you have the strength to climb to the observation deck, having overcome 246 steps, - The reward will be a stunning view of its roof and the Austrian capital spread out below.
The huge bell is made from copper cannons that the Turks left here after the siege. The bell remained undamaged until the next siege - it was destroyed in 1945. Interesting fact, a metal rod near the entrance is Vienna ale, which in former times buyers used to measure the length of fabric, checking whether sellers measured it accurately. The amazing mosaic roof of the cathedral is covered with 250 thousand glazed tiles. It was restored after the cathedral was damaged by fire during World War II.
Since the cathedral is built of sandstone, which destroys environment, the building is almost always surrounded by construction scaffolds.
Vienna, St. Stephen's Cathedral - video
Vienna St. Stephen's Cathedral - opening hours, ticket prices
You can visit Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral any day. It is open to visitors every day from 6:00 to 22:00, on Sundays and holidays from 7:00 to 22:00. You can visit the cathedral as part of a tour group: tours take place at 10:30 and 15:00, and on holidays at 15:00.
For an adult, visiting the cathedral will cost 4 euros, and for children under 14 years old - 1.5 euros.
Vienna St. Stephen's Cathedral - how to get there
Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral is located at Stephansplatz 1. You can get here by metro on lines U1 and U3, getting off at the station of the same name.
St. Stephen's Cathedral on the map
St. Stephen's Cathedral is an iconic landmark of Vienna. It fascinates with its Gothic architecture and interior decoration. And if you climb the tower, the views are simply magnificent!
A little history
The symbol of Vienna is St. Stephen's Cathedral on the square. The magnificent, unique, multifaceted temple of Stephansdom (Stephansdom or Steffl) , The cathedral was first mentioned in the Viennese chronicles in 1221. They built it on a holy, “prayed” place. Back in the first half of the 12th century, there was a parish church here.
The three-nave Romanesque basilica, named after St. Stephen (Stephen), began to be rebuilt in 1230. The architects planned to build a temple in the late Romanesque style, and most of The building was already completed when the fire happened. Restoration of the building began only at the beginning of the 14th century. The work was finally completed in 1340. The temple was built in the Gothic style.
The architecture of the temple remained Gothic, but the features of the building later changed during many reconstructions. Only in 1523, under Rudolf IV, Stefansdom acquired the appearance that has survived to this day.
South Tower
The cathedral was built asymmetrically: the southern tower was much higher than the northern one. The height of the North Tower is only 68.3 m. The structure was not completed for a number of reasons (it collapsed during construction). In the second half of the 16th century, the tower was crowned with a dome.
Pummerin
The temple also preserves ancient tombs: tombstones of imperial persons, cathedral rectors, noble people, scientists, and architects. Rudolph IV, Frederick III, Eugene of Savoy, 72 members of the Habsburg dynasty are buried here (but most of their “graves” are symbolic, since in Stephasndom only the insides of monarchs were buried since 1633, their bodies were buried in the Capuchin Church, and their hearts at St. Augustine's Church).
After restoration, Stefandom became a center of attraction for researchers, historians, art historians and tourists from all over the world. Two million guests visit the cathedral every year.
Stefansdom is open daily:
Mon-Sat from 06:00 to 22:00,
Sun and on holidays from 07:00 to 22:00.
Excursions
Tour of the Cathedral
Tour with audio guide (duration 40 min.)
Visiting time:
Mon-Sat from 09:00 to 11:30 and from 13:00 to 16:30;
Sun and holidays from 13:00 to 16:30.
Ticket price:
adults - €6.00;
children (6-14 years old) - €2.50;
children under 6 years old - free.
Guided tour (duration 30 min.)
Time spending:
on German: Mon-Sun at 15:00;
in English: Mon-Sat at 10:30.
Ticket price:
adult – €6.00;
children (under 14 years old) – €2.50.
Tour of the catacombs
Under the eastern part of the cathedral there are catacombs - there, in the 18th century, by order of Charles IV, dead citizens were buried.
Excursion times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 11:30 and 13:30 - 16:30;
Sun and holidays 13:30 - 16:30.
Ticket price:
adults - €6.00;
children (6-14 years old) - €2.50;
children under 6 years old - free.
Climbing the South Tower
Tower operating hours:
Mon-Sun 09:00 - 17:30.
Price:
adult – €5.00;
children (15-18 years old) - €3.00;
children (6-14 years old) – €2.00.
Elevator ride up the North Tower to Pummerin
Tower operating hours:
Mon-Sun 09:00 - 17:30.
Ticket price:
adults - €6.00;
children (6-14 years old) - €2.50;
children under 6 years old - €0.50.
Full visit to the Cathedral
The cost of a ticket with an audio guide for a full visit to the cathedral (catacombs, two towers and a treasury) is €14.90.
Sunday services
Sunday masses in Stefansdom begin at 10:30 am from September to June; at 9:30 – in July-August.
How to get there
Take metro lines U1, U3 to Stephansplatz station.
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St. Stephen's Cathedral - main cathedral Vienna. I decided to write a separate post about it, since there is a lot of interesting stuff inside. Like many European cathedrals, it was built and rebuilt many times and absorbed many styles, in accordance with the eras that passed behind its walls. And now the cathedral is unfinished. The northern tower was supposed to be the same as the southern one, but it was only half completed. There wasn't enough money. In fact, this is not such a rare case. In Malaga, for example, there is also a cathedral with one tower and an unfinished second. The residents of Malaga call their cathedral “The One-Armed Lady.” It's the same story here. By the way, you can climb both towers - there are observation decks, and you can also go down into the dark catacombs, where dead citizens were buried in the Middle Ages. But first things first.
1. Now St. Stephen's Cathedral is the coolest Gothic cathedral. It is surprising that he was not injured in the last war and was spared the bombing. However, in fairness, such noticeable structures served as an excellent reference point for aircraft during bombing and they were left untouched so that they could navigate the city plan. Likewise, Cologne Cathedral survived, although the rest of the city fell into ruins.
2. Gothic cathedrals delight me with their monumentality and.... gothicity. There are such wonderful things on the walls.
3. But this comrade John Capistran was awarded such a sculpture because he called for a crusade against the Turks and heretics. They say he was quite harsh towards non-believers.
4. Next to the cathedral, its smaller copy in bronze is beautiful.
5. And here is the northern tower. It can be seen that this stump is only half built. A small turret was attached to the top and now there is an observation deck. Now the tower most likely will not be completed and the cathedral will not take the form originally intended by the architect.
6. It's even more interesting inside. And although St. Stephen's Cathedral is inferior in scale and richness of decoration to the Seville Cathedral, it is still impressive.
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8. The cathedral has beautiful paintings and sculptures. In general, the inside is quite well decorated.
9. The main decoration is high lancet windows and arches.
10. The cathedral is active - people come here to pray and light candles. Tourists are not allowed during services.
11. Amazing organ.
12. The girl even opened her mouth from the beauty of the organ, which is located exactly above the main entrance.
13. In Catholic cathedrals I am pleased with the abundance of sculptures. Indeed, it is not a cathedral - just a museum of fine art. Some are made of stone, and this one is made of wood.
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17. The interior of the cathedral creates a special atmosphere. The walls smell of antiquity. Heavy dark walls press in.
18. Sculptures again.
19. You can climb the towers of the cathedral and see Vienna from above. You have to climb the southern tower on foot, but there is an elevator to the northern one. A sign in front of the elevator warns that backpacks are not allowed. But this probably applies to large tourists; they let me in with a backpack.
20. At the top, the observation deck is fenced with such a large-mesh mesh that prevents a person from falling, but does not interfere with photography at all.
21. A huge bell hangs in the bell tower. By the way, in 1945 there was a fire in the cathedral and the huge Pummerin bell that was hanging there at that time, pulled down by debris from the roof, fell down, broke and destroyed many interior parts.
22. Since the northern tower is not higher than the ridge of the cathedral roof, you can only see from here what lies north of the cathedral. The Alps are visible in the distance. By the way, it is the water flowing from the Alps that feeds the local water supply system. The water can be drunk directly from the tap.
23. Stunningly steep tiled roof.
24. On the roof are the coats of arms of Austria and Vienna itself.
25. On the square in front of the cathedral, enter the underground parking lot. They played it very well and fit it into the architecture of the old square.
26. Here you can see that the tower was simply completed to a certain level and stopped. It's as if the top was cut off with a knife.
27. Directly opposite the cathedral is a house with an old tiled roof.
28. Here you can look through binoculars for a coin. What to look for is immediately marked on the panorama.
29. The observation deck is organized quite competently.
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31. In the far left is a pipe with a shiny golden ball. What do you think this is? This is a waste incineration plant.
32. Gothic elements on the tower.
33. Below are fiacres - carriages drawn by horses. They take tourists around the city center - very atmospheric.
34. There is a cockerel on the spire.
35. After going up, it's time to go down. There, behind the door below are the catacombs where the inhabitants of Vienna were buried for hundreds of years. There is now a huge ossuary there. Quite a creepy place. They don't even allow photography there. But we'll try anyway.
36. There is a small chapel below.
37. Quite simple.
38. There are also fragments of sculptures from the design of, as I understand it, the cathedral. Probably the remains saved after the fire in 1945, although I’m not sure.
39. The catacombs themselves are just such tunnels with brick vaults. in the tunnels there were chambers in which people were buried. Well, that is, in fact, they were stacked in stacks. When there was not enough space, and the fetid smell of rotting bodies became unbearable, the bones were cleaned of flesh and stacked with German pedantry.
40. Here's what's inside one chamber. It's creepy. According to various estimates, up to 10,000 people are buried in the catacombs of St. Stephen.
41. Now the cells are walled up, but in some places these windows are left.
42.Exit from the catacombs to the street. Warning sign.
43. Well, just a little bit of the evening cathedral.
44. Romanesque towers and portal. Once it gets dark, you can also get into the cathedral, but to be honest, we limited ourselves to a daytime visit.