The national symbol of Austria is St. Stephen's Cathedral. St. Stephen's Cathedral: architecture, relics and landmarks
St. Stephen's Cathedral(German: Stephansdom) is a Catholic cathedral, the national symbol of Vienna and all of Austria. The history of the cathedral began in 1137, when a small church was built in the Romanesque style. During the XIII-XV centuries, the church was rebuilt and expanded several times. Only by 1511 the landmark turns into St. Stephen's Cathedral and acquires the Gothic appearance with rich external and internal decoration that has become famous throughout the world.
The burials of representatives of the Habsburg dynasty (72 graves of members of the royal family) also add significance to the cathedral. However, despite the pompous design of the tombstones, most of them are symbolic (since 1633, only the internal organs of the Habsburgs were buried in the cathedral, their bodies were buried in the Capuchin Church, and their hearts in the Church of St. Augustine).
Two towers deserve special attention: the southern and the northern. The South Tower, which reaches a height of more than 136 meters, serves as an excellent observation deck for views of old Vienna and its surroundings. And, if the southern one is famous for its staircase with 343 steps, then the northern one is famous for its majestic dome, rising at a height of more than 68 meters. The north tower remained unfinished for a long time. Only in 1579 it was crowned with a Renaissance dome, which stands out strongly against the background of the Gothic appearance of the entire cathedral. It is under the arch of this dome that the Pummerin bell is located - the largest bell in Austria. This is the second bell in Europe (after the Cologne one), the size of which is truly surprising. Its mass reaches 22 tons, its diameter is more than 3 meters, its height is almost 3 meters, and its wall thickness is 23 centimeters. To cast the bell in 1711, 180 Turkish cannons captured in the Battle of Vienna in 1683 were used. The new Pummerin was cast in 1957 from fragments of the old bell, which was broken in a fire in April 1945.
While examining the architecture of the cathedral, one cannot help but pay attention to the unusual multi-colored roof tiles, which are decorated with images of the city and national coats of arms. In total, 230,000 tile elements were spent on ornamentation. If speak about interior decoration Stephen's Cathedral, the treasures of art and numerous relics stored here deserve attention. These include stained glass windows, medieval sculptures, monuments and tombstones, altars and pulpits by famous sculptors. Let's take a closer look at the departments:
- Episcopal see 15th century, 4 meters high, located in the center of the main nave. It is decorated with statues of four church teachers: Gregory the Great, Ambrose of Milan, Jerome of Stridon and Augustine the Blessed. The railings are decorated with fantastic patterns of lizards and toads, representing the struggle between good and evil. Under the stairs, the master placed his self-portrait, popularly known as “The Window Gawker.”
- Chair of St. Joanna Capistrana. Located near the main entrance to the cathedral. It is believed that it was from this place that in 1454 the preacher John Capistran called on the Austrians to crusade against the Turks.
St. Stephen's Cathedral is the residence of the Cardinal Archbishop, the greatest religious building in Vienna. The 137-meter tower has long become a symbol of the city.
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom or Steffl for short) was consecrated in 1147. This is the residence of the cardinal archbishop, the greatest religious building in Vienna. The 137-meter tower has long become a symbol of the city. From the late Romanesque construction, begun under Frederick II, what remains is the western façade with the Giant Gate and pagan towers.
Under Rudolph IV, construction of the Gothic longitudinal nave began (from 1259), the southern tower (St. Stephen's Tower) was completed in 1433. Work on the North Tower began in 1511 by Hans Puxbaum, and in 1556 the bell tower was installed. The peak of restoration work occurred in the 19th century. However, as a result of the damage caused by the bombing in 1945, serious reconstruction efforts were required, which lasted until 1961, to which all the Federal States of Austria contributed.
One of the most significant late Romanesque works of art in Austria is the Gigantic Gate, an arched horn gate with rich sculptural decoration (c. 1240).
An indelible impression is made by the Gothic three-part longitudinal nave and early Gothic choir, in the middle part of which stained glass windows from 1340-1360 have been preserved. and a reticulated vault resting on columns.
Mostly baroque altars stand near the columns. On one of the columns, the cathedral architect Anton Pilgram installed a four-meter high Cathedra, the main work of late Gothic stone carving (1514-1515), decorated with busts of four church fathers (Ambrosius, Jerome, Pope Gregory and Augustine). At the foot of the pulpit, the master placed his self-portrait, popularly known as “The Window Gawker.”
The cathedral column also houses the Madonna of the Servants, an early Gothic statue of Mary dating back to 1320.
Particularly revered is the Pötzsch Madonna, standing under a canopy in the right nave next to the Singing Portal.
Among the outstanding attractions is the tomb of Emperor Frederick III (died 1493), the most luxurious Gothic funerary monument by Niklas Gerchert van Leyden. The upper part is a reclining figure of the emperor, carved from red marble.
From the north tower chapel you can descend into the catacombs, an extensive network of tunnels and rooms that served as a crypt when space in the Stephansplatz cemetery became scarce. Joseph II banned this method of burial and ordered the catacombs to be cleaned and walled up in 1872. The ducal tomb, built at the request of Rudolf IV the Founder, is currently accessible. Since the 17th century here the entrails of all the Habsburgs are kept in copper urns
St. Stephen's Cathedral survived many wars and became a symbol of Vienna's freedom. The Gothic building dates back to the 12th century and features a diamond-pattern tiled roof added in 1952.
Myths and facts
The first church on the site was a Romanesque one, which was replaced by a much larger Romanesque basilica in 1147. A major fire in 1258 destroyed this building and at the beginning of the 14th century the construction of a real Gothic cathedral began.
The new structure also suffered damage during the Turkish siege of 1683 and later in last days World War II when the roof caught fire. The temple was reopened in 1948, the roof was repaired and decorated with ceramic tiles donated by Viennese citizens in 1950.
Among the important events that took place in St. Stephen's Cathedral are the wedding in 1782 and his funeral in December 1791.
What to see
The cathedral is an impressive dark stone Gothic building with a colorful tiled roof and a north tower over 135m high, called Alter Steffl. Originally built between 1359 and 1433, the tower was reconstructed after being seriously damaged during the war. Climb the 343 steps of the spiral staircase and you will see a breathtaking view of Vienna from above.
The northern tower (Nordturm) was not completed on time, so it does not look like the first one. It was built in the Renaissance style in 1529. From the top of this tower there is an equally beautiful view and you can look at the Pummerin bell (there is an elevator to go up). The Pummerin Bell is one of the largest bells in the world. It was cast from a cannon captured in 1683. This bell rings throughout the city on New Year's Eve.
The inscription "Ö5" carved in stone on a massive front door, has important historical meaning. The number 5 is the fifth letter of the alphabet - E. When added to O it gives OE, which is the abbreviation Österreich(). This was a secret sign of resistance to the Nazi annexation of Austria.
The interior is interesting with many bas-reliefs and sculptures, as well as important works of art. One of the greatest treasures of Stephen's Cathedral is the Wiener Neustadt altar, installed in 1447 in the left choir chapel. Richly gilded and painted, it depicts the Virgin Mary surrounded by Saints Catherine and Barbara.
The 15th-century stone pulpit (a structure for reading the Holy Scriptures and singing) in the middle of the nave represents the images of the four fathers of the Latin Church: Ambrose, Jerome, Gregory and Augustine. A rare self-portrait of artist Anton Pilgram under a staircase marks the transition point into the Renaissance, when artists began signing their works in lieu of anonymity. The pulpit railings are covered interesting symbols: lizards of animal light, toads of animal darkness and “dogs of the Lord.”
Also of note is the unusual 17th-century tomb of Emperor Frederick III, which depicts hideous creatures attempting to awaken the emperor.
Vienna also has palaces
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. Grandiose gothic cathedral on the main square of the city, 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 the 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, 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 tour in English. 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.
The 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 New Year 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.