The Vienna Cathedral is located in St. Stephen’s Square, right in the heart of Vienna. It is the most significant religious symbol in Austria’s capital.
Furthermore, it serves as the main church of the Archdiocese of Vienna and the seat of the Archbishop.
Construction of this cathedral began in the 14th century atop two older churches. It was the Duke Rudolf IV who laid the first stone for this new cathedral, intended to elevate Vienna’s status as a capital city.
Today, the cathedral preserves elements reminiscent of its Romanesque origins, including the foundations of the Pagan Towers located on its main facade.
The cathedral has withstood many significant historical events, including Turkish sieges, religious wars, French bombardments during the Napoleonic Wars, and the First World War—all without sustaining severe damage.
In the aftermath of World War II, however, the cathedral was bombed and subsequently restored with financial support from every Austrian province, highlighting its national importance.
Remnants of the second Turkish invasion are still visible, including several cannonballs embedded in the facade.
It is undoubtedly one of the top sights to see in Vienna.
Visiting Vienna’s Cathedral
This cathedral is the tallest church in Vienna and features a wealth of attractions both inside and out, drawing numerous tourists.
Today, Vienna Cathedral houses treasures like relics adorned with precious stones and gold, liturgical texts, sculptures, vestments, books, and more.
Inside the cathedral, you’ll find the tombs of some members of the Habsburg family. It was also the venue for both the wedding and later the funeral of Mozart.
You’re welcome to explore on your own, but to get the most out of this incredible place, consider joining one of these activities:
- Classical music concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral
- Guided tour of Vienna Cathedral’s secrets
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Dom Museum Vienna
Style and Architecture
The Vienna Cathedral is a fascinating Gothic structure made up of four towers.
The South Tower stands out as the tallest, with a striking spire visible from various points around Vienna.
By climbing the staircase to the tower’s viewpoint, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the city center.
Inside, you can appreciate a blend of architectural styles from different eras, such as the central nave, side chapels, and choir. Some of the side structures were later rebuilt in Baroque style.
The exterior of the cathedral is decorated with numerous statues, some of which are replicas from the last century.
Gargoyles, a Roman funerary tombstone, and clocks are among the cathedral’s most remarkable features.
The Great Spire of Vienna Cathedral
The Great Spire of Vienna Cathedral is located on the South Tower. It reaches nearly 140 meters in height and has 343 steps leading to an observation deck that offers expansive views of the city.
Construction of the South Tower was completed in 1433 under the direction of Hans Prachatitz, a prominent architect of the time.
During the wars that besieged the city, this tower was used as a defensive fortress, especially during the conflict with the Turkish Empire.
Cathedral Roof and Its Tiles
The roof of Vienna’s cathedral is made up of approximately 250,000 tiles, each weighing around 2.5 kg.
These tiles underwent extensive restoration after World War II, having sustained serious damage.
The main roof connects the western facade, the double-story chapels, the naves, and the choir, creating a continuous link to the South Tower.
Its vivid colors and the various coats of arms on display make it a vibrant testament to Vienna’s history.
The Pummerin Bell
The Vienna Cathedral boasts numerous bells, but the most notable of all is the massive Pummerin Bell in the North Tower.
An interesting fact about the original bell is that it was forged from the bronze of cannons left behind by Turkish troops in 1683.
In 1945, during the great fire, the bell fell and was destroyed. However, Viennese residents recast it using the original fragments, preserving the likeness of the initial design.
Today, visitors can reach the bell via an elevator, making it accessible to all.
Pilgram’s Pulpit
Inside Vienna’s cathedral, you’ll find the famous Pilgram’s Pulpit, crafted in the 16th century by the sculptor of the same name.
This pulpit is a standout example of Gothic sculpture.
It consists of three sections that form the shape of a rose, with four petals symbolizing the four Church Fathers.
The pulpit also features twelve medium-sized figures representing the Apostles, along with various saints and patron figures of different trades.
Tirna Chapel
The Prinz Eugen Chapel, also known as the Morandus, Tirna, Kreuz, and Liechtenstein Chapel, is located on the ground floor of Vienna Cathedral.
This chapel is the final resting place of Prince Eugene of Savoy, a prominent general instrumental in driving the Turks out of Austrian territory, earning him this sacred burial place.
On the rear wall of the chapel is a late-Gothic crucifix with real hair, as well as a fresco by Johann Ender from 1853 that poignantly portrays the events at Golgotha.
Catacombs
The catacombs are located in the underground of Vienna Cathedral and are open to visitors.
This labyrinth was initially constructed by Rudolf IV as a burial place for his lineage.
The most significant part is an oval-shaped room adorned with numerous emblems, shields, and crests associated with the duke.
In the 20th century, a final addition was made to the catacombs—a crypt for the remains of the city’s religious elite.
Stephansdom Ticket Prices and Hours
As a consecrated church, entry to Vienna Cathedral is free.
However, fees apply to certain tourist visits, which aim to educate visitors on its history, hidden corners, and key attractions.
Prices vary depending on the specific areas you wish to explore:
- For example, access to the central area of St. Stephen’s Cathedral with an audio guide starts at €5.50 for adults, €3 for children aged 14 to 18, and €2 for children aged 6 to 14.
- There’s also access to the catacombs of the cathedral at the same price, with guided tours available every half hour until 4:30 PM.
- Entry to the South Tower of Vienna Cathedral costs €4.50 for adults, €2 for children aged 14 to 18, and €1.50 for children aged 6 to 14.
- However, tickets for visiting the Pummerin Bell are priced from €5.50 for adults and €2 for children aged 6 to 14.
Getting to Vienna Cathedral is quite simple with various options:
If you prefer taking a bus, choose lines 1A, 2A, or 3A, and get off at Stephansplatz. Alternatively, with the Vienna metro, take lines U1 or U3 to Stephansplatz.