Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

The Cathedral of Saint Stephen is found in the heart of Vienna, between the homes of Stephansplatz, in the main square of the city.  The Hapsburgs, the family that came from the famous Princess Sissi, have always had a weakness for this church.

The Cathedral of Saint Stephen is found in the heart of Vienna, between the homes of Stephansplatz, in the main square of the city. 

The Hapsburgs, the family that also came from the famous Princess Sissi, have always had a weakness for this church.  The princes and emperors neither financed the expansion nor commissioned the building of the impressive bell tower that became the tallest of this time period in Europe.  The tie with the monarchy of the Hapsburgs is testified also from the crest of the family, designed on the sloping roof.

Mozart married Constanze Weber at St. Stephen's Cathedral in 1782. Mozart's body (he died on 5 December 1791) was borne to St. Stephen's Cathedral in a funeral procession and received the benediction in the Crucifix Chapel which at the time was accessible from the outside of the cathedral. Mozart was given a "third class" burial with a very small cortege consisting of cross-bearers, four pallbearers and four boys carrying lanterns.

The construction of the church goes back to the 12th century, but different parts were added in successive centuries.  The Romanesque style that it characterized is still visible in the main façade, where one can find the Gate of the Giants and the Tower of the Pagans.  Only at the end of the 15th century, after a partial reconstruction, the building undertook a unique Gothic style.  Not to miss, on the inside of the church, the Pilgramkanzel, the most elaborate gothic pulpit sculpted by Anton Pilgram, is available for viewing.

The cathedral is famous for its organ pipe. The organ pipe is found exactly on top at the entrance of the church and is composed of 10.000 pipes, while the other two minor organs are arranged in the side aisles.

Advice from Divento…

The climb on the Steffl, the tall bell tower of 137 meters.  Climbing the steepest spiral staircase to the inside of the tower, one can reach the top after 342 steps. The panoramic view is breathtaking, from where you can see all of the city and it is possible to admire the colorful roof of the cathedral.

Stephansdom

Stephansplatz 3, 1010 Vienna, Austria

Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
Saint Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

Opening Hours

Monday:
06:00 - 22:00
Tuesday:
06:00 - 22:00
Wednesday:
06:00 - 22:00
Thursday:
06:00 - 22:00
Friday:
06:00 - 22:00
Saturday:
06:00 - 22:00
Sunday:
07:00 - 22:00
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