Description

Essentials about St. Stephen’s Cathedral in brief

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the landmark of Vienna and is of course a must-see when visiting Vienna. The cathedral, actually called “Domkirche St. Stephan zu Wien”, is affectionately called only “der Steffl” by the Viennese. The Steffl is one of the most beautiful and important churches in the world, both from the outside and the inside.

The history of St. Stephen’s Cathedral

The construction of the cathedral was already started in the 12th century. Since 1365 St. Stephen’s Cathedral has been a cathedral church (seat of a cathedral chapter), since 1469 a cathedral (bishop’s seat) and since 1723 a metropolitan church of the Archbishop of Vienna. The cathedral is named after St. Stephen, who is considered the first Christian martyr.

The architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral

With its 107 meters in length, 34 meters in width and its four towers, the highest of which rises 136 meters into the Viennese sky, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is an impressive structure and one of the most important Gothic buildings in Austria. Incidentally, in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, no church was allowed to be built higher than St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Sporty visitors can climb the 343 steps to the Türmerstube in the south tower, which offers a staggering view over Vienna. The cathedral is also famous for its bells, the most famous of which is the so-called “Pummerin” – the second largest free-floating church bell in Europe.

The interior of St. Stephen’s Cathedral

The interior of St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and opulent in the world and has been changed again and again over the centuries. In addition to numerous valuable altars and chapels, visitors can view the impressive cathedral treasury with its gold- and gemstone-decorated relics, monstrances and vestments. Numerous historical personalities such as Emperor Frederick III, Duke Rudolph IV and Prince Eugene of Savoy also found their final resting place in St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Website

stephanskirche.at

wien.info/stephansdom

Opening hours

Admission fees

* Guided tour Cathedral, Catacombs, South Tower, North Tower (Pummerin) and Cathedral Treasure.

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

U1 and U3: Stop Stephansplatz

Bus lines 1A, 2A and 3A: Stop Stephansplatz

By car:

The nearest parking garage is Parkhaus City Stephansplatz.