A visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna means discovering one of Austria’s architectural gems. Here’s all the practical information you need for a well-organized visit.
Austria is one of Europe’s little wonders, a country with so much to discover. Magnificent landscapes, cultural diversity, gastronomy and an exceptional quality of life make it the perfect place to spend your vacations. But what particularly interests us is its architectural heritage, in particular St. Stephen’s Cathedral, also known as Stephansdom.
This is Vienna‘s landmark, a veritable treasure trove of Gothic art built in the 12th century. Every year, over six million visitors flock to this impressive religious monument. It can be admired from every angle, thanks to numerous guided tours all year round. And it’s impossible to miss, as you only have to look up to see the spire.
If you’re one of the many tourists passing through Vienna, be sure to visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom). Before you go, here’s everything you need to know about its history and practical information.
History of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) was built in the 12th century. It has survived the decades, with a few mishaps and many changes, right up to the present day. According to estimates, work began in 1137, with the first consecration taking place shortly afterwards. Its architectural style is a cross between Romanesque and Gothic. In 1258, the first fire damaged the cathedral. From 1300 onwards, a number of extensions were made, notably to the heart of the church. The impressive 136-metre-high south tower was completed in 1433. It is the second tallest tower in Europe. The north tower is less high (68 meters), but houses the famous Pummerin, an enormous free-swinging bell weighing 21 tons, the second largest in Europe. The western section features two magnificent 65-metre-high towers. There are also catacombs beneath the church. These can be visited. The catacombs were created in 1732, and all the cemeteries in the area gradually disappeared.
Saint-Etienne Cathedral in the 20th century
It was in 1945, at the end of the Second World War, that St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) suffered its worst damage. A huge fire nearby engulfed almost the entire historic monument in flames. Caught in the flames, it was first the roof structure that burned. The retaining wall collapsed, destroying numerous masterpieces: the organ, the imperial oratory, the bench at the heart of the church, and several bells (including the Pummerin). In the space of a few hours, a whole part of history collapsed. But the cathedral had not said its last word, and it was with great hope that renovation began shortly afterwards. A new, lighter roof was built in 1950. A beautiful new roof made of colorful tiles, depicting the two-headed eagle, the symbol of Austria.
April 26, 1952 is a day to remember. The town celebrated the reopening of Stephansdom with great fanfare. Guest star: the new Pummerin bell. A few years later, the new organs were celebrated. If you’re thinking of visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom), you may be lucky enough to see the great organ installed in 2019. We’ll have to wait until Easter 2020 for its consecration.
What to see and do at St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna?
Inside the cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. When you enter this 107-meter-long, 34-meter-wide religious monument, you discover the rich history of Vienna. The neo-Gothic style of the church is impressive in terms of size, vaulted ceilings and atmosphere.
Admire the superb statues, the relics adorned with gold and precious stones, the books, texts and liturgical vestments, as well as the magnificent monstrances. Look up at the ceiling and you’ll be impressed by its height, which can easily make you dizzy. The dimensions of the colorful stained glass windows bear witness to this. On either side are several altars and chapels, veritable works of art, perfectly executed. To fully appreciate Vienna Cathedral, we recommend an early morning visit on weekdays, to avoid the crowds.
The roofs of the Cathedral
We’re also obliged to mention the monument’s roof, which is surprisingly beautiful and original. From below, you’ll discover a grandiose mosaic depicting the two-headed eagle and the coat of arms of Vienna and Austria. The roof required 230,000 tiles, most of them colored green, yellow and black. For the more curious, its steep slope was designed to allow regular, natural cleaning by rainwater.
The towers
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) has four towers. The south tower is the tallest, measuring exactly 136 meters. The north tower is smaller, measuring 68 meters, but would normally be as tall as its neighbor. To the west, there are two Roman towers, each 65 meters high, next to each other.
If you buy a ticket, you can visit either the north or south tower. To enjoy the breathtaking view of the entire city from the top of the cathedral, you need to climb the 343 spiral steps of the south tower (or Steffl). It houses no fewer than 13 bells. In the north tower, you can admire Europe’s second-largest bell, the Pummerin, which weighs 21 tonnes. An elevator takes you there.
The catacombs
Don’t leave without visiting every nook and cranny of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom). The Austrian capital has another, less glamorous face, a place filled with mystery: the catacombs. Beneath the monument lies a large cemetery where 10,000 people have been buried, including Emperor Friedrich III, Prince Eugene of Savoy, Habsburg Duke Rodolph IV, as well as cardinals and archbishops. To explore this part of the museum, you’ll need to take a guided tour. Don’t forget to pick up an information sheet translated into French at the entrance to the crypt, as well as extra clothing, as it’s cold there.
How do I get to St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna?
Right in the heart of the city center, you can’t miss it, with the tours acting as your guide. To get to this place of worship, you can choose between :
- bus: lines 1A or 3A
- U-Bahn (subway): lines U1 and U3, Stephansplatz station. The cathedral’s main entrance is directly opposite.
Please note: many other tourist attractions are nearby, so you can do everything on foot.
As far as the car is concerned, we don’t recommend it. Construction work, the many pedestrian streets and parking problems make traffic difficult.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) opening hours and prices
Would you like to visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom)? Admission is free all year round, Monday to Saturday from 6am to 10pm, and Sundays and public holidays from 7am to 10pm. To see the towers and catacombs, and get further explanations with a guide, here are the times and prices.
The Cathedral
- Monday to Saturday, 9am to 11:30am and 1pm to 4:30pm
- Sundays and public holidays from 1pm to 4:30pm
- Admission: €6 adults and €2.50 children
The south tower
- Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
- Admission: €5 adults and €2 children
North Tower
- Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
- Rates: €6 adults and €2.50 children
The catacombs
- Monday to Saturday, 10am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 4:30pm
- Sundays and public holidays from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
- Admission: €6 adults and €2.50 children
Les combles
- Saturdays in July and August at 7pm only, weather permitting
- Prices: €11 adults and €5 children
An all-inclusive ticket is also available at €14.90 for adults and €3.90 for children.
Good to know
Is the cathedral accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, it is accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, some parts are not accessible. You can enter through the main door.
Can children go into the catacombs?
Access is permitted, but not necessarily recommended. The place can be frightening for them, as can claustrophobia.