Stephansdom - St. Stephen's Cathedral
The Vienna landmark - St. Stephen's Cathedral
Vienna landmark - St. Stephen’s CathedralSt. Stephen's Cathedral is not only a symbol of the city of Vienna, it is simultaneously a landmark of Austria. Its architecture and size will fascinate you - the cathedral is deservedly recognised as the most important gothic building in Austria.
St. Stephen's Cathedral is found in the heart of the city. Due to its monumental size it is practically impossible to overlook it. A "must" is a ride in the lift to the top of the north tower. The view of Vienna from the top will steal your breath away. In the south tower you may climb the narrow winding staircase to a height of 72 metres where there is a viewing platform. You can also climb down, namely to the creepy catacombs. This is where the earthly remains of bishops and various dukes have been laid to rest. In the course of a guided tour, other objects of interest will be pointed out to you. The tomb of Kaiser Friedrich III, made of red marble and constructed over a period of 46 years, numbers among the highlights.
In a house of God like the St. Stephen's Cathedral, there is naturally a very special altar. The Wiener Neustädter Altar dates from the year 1446 and is a gothic winged altar. In order to have an idea of the increasingly impressive size, some actual dimensions might help in imagining it: the total length of Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral is 107.2 metres, the width is 34.2 metres and the south tower reaches 136.44 metres into the sky. A further incidental detail: you need to climb 343 steps to reach the watchmen's apartment in the south tower.
This immense house of worship was named for Saint Stephen, who was stoned to death in Jerusalem in 40 B.C. thereby dying a martyr. You can not only visit the Cathedral but of course can also take part in one of the services that take place daily. Particularly moving is the holy mass on the main feast days of the church - then the Cathedral appears radiant, festively adorned in all its glory.
