Visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna is discovering a true architectural gem of Austria. Here are all the practical information for a well-organized stay.
L’ Austria is a small wonder of Europe, a country that offers a multitude of things to discover. Beautiful landscapes, cultural diversity, gastronomy, exceptional quality of life, all this makes it a perfect place to spend your holidays. But what we are particularly interested in is its architectural heritage, notably the Cathedral of Saint Stephen, also known as Stephansdom.
This is the emblem of Vienna a true treasure of Gothic art built in the 12th century. Every year, more than six million visitors stop to visit this impressive religious monument. It can be admired from all angles thanks to the many guided tours throughout the year. Especially since we can’t miss it, for it is enough to lift your eyes to the sky to see its arrow.
If you are part of the many tourists passing through Vienna, don't miss visiting the Cathedral of Saint Stephen (Stephansdom). Before leaving, here is everything you need to know about its history, as well as practical information.
History of Saint-Étienne Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Maryna Stamatova
Saint-Étienne Cathedral (Stephansdom) was built in the 12th century. It has crossed the decades, experienced some misadventures and many changes until today. It is estimated that work began in 1137, with a first consecration shortly afterwards. Its architectural style is at the crossroads of the Romanesque period and the Gothic period. In 1258, a first fire damaged the cathedral. From 1300 onwards, some enlargement works took place, including the heart of the church. The south tower, impressive by its 136 metres high, was completed in 1433. This is the second largest round in Europe. The north tower is less tall (68 meters) but contains the famous Pummerin , a huge free swing bell of 21 tons, the second largest in Europe. As for the western part, there are two magnificent towers of 65 meters high. The presence of catacombs under the church is also noted. It is possible to visit them. They were created in 1732 and all the cemeteries in the neighborhood gradually disappeared.
Saint-Etienne Cathedral in the twentieth century
In 1945, at the end of the Second World War, St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) suffered the most damage. A huge fire not far from there caused the clutch of almost all of this historic monument. To be trapped by the flames, it is first the burning tank. The support wall collapses, with many masterpieces destroyed: the organ, the imperial oratory, the bench located in the heart, as well as several bells (including the Pummerin). In a few hours, a whole part of the story collapsed. But the cathedral had not said its last word and it is with great hope that the renovation begins shortly afterwards. A new lighter roof was built in 1950. It is of all beauty and made of colored tiles, representing the two-headed eagle, the symbol of Austria.
On 26 April 1952 will remain in the memoirs. The city celebrates the reopening of Stephansdom. In guest-star: the new Pummerin bell. A few years later, the new organs are celebrated. If you think of visiting the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne (Stephansdom), you may have the chance to see the great organ installed in 2019. It will have to wait until Easter 2020 for its consecration.
What to see and do at the Saint-Étienne Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna?
The interior of the cathedral
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Saint-Étienne Cathedral (Stephansdom) is as beautiful both inside and outside. When you enter this religious monument of 107 meters long and 34 meters wide, you discover the richness of the history of Vienna. In a neo-Gothic style, it imposes it by its size, its vaults and its particular atmosphere. Admire the superb statues, the relics decorated with gold and precious stones, the books, texts and liturgical habits, as well as the magnificent ostensors. Raise your eyes to the ceiling and you will be impressed by its height that can easily give the turkey. The dimensions of the coloured stained-glass windows testify. On each side you can see several altars and chapels, real works of art perfectly well realized. To appreciate the cathedral of Vienna at its fair value, we recommend that you go early in the morning and week, in order to avoid the crowd.
The roofs of the Cathedral
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Agatha Kadar
The towers
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Ttstudio
Saint-Étienne Cathedral (Stephansdom) has four towers. The south tower is the highest, 136 meters exactly. The north tower is smaller, because it is 68 metres, but was normally expected to do as much as its neighbour. To the west, there are two Roman towers of 65 metres each, one next to the other.
By buying a ticket, you can visit the north or south tower. To enjoy the breathtaking view of the whole city from the top of the cathedral, you have to climb the 343 steps of the south tower (or Steffl). It has no less than 13 bells. It is in the north tower that you can admire the second largest bell in Europe, the Pummerin which weighs 21 tons. An elevator takes you there.
The catacombs
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Sompraaong0042
Do not leave this place without visiting the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne (Stephansdom) in its lesser corners. The Austrian capital has another much less glamorous face, a place filled with mysteries: catacombs. Under the monument is a large cemetery where 10,000 people were buried, including Emperor Friedrich III, Prince Eugene de Savoie, the Duke of Habsburger Rodolph IV, and the cardinals and archbishops. To discover this part, you must make a guided tour. Do not forget to take an explanatory sheet translated into French at the entrance of the crypt, as well as an additional garment, because it is cold.
How to go to St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna?
In the heart of the city center, you can't miss it, the tours acting as a guide. To access this place of worship, you have the choice between:
- the bus: lines 1A or 3A
- Metro (U-Bahn): U1 and U3, Stephansplatz station. The main entrance of the cathedral is right across the street.
Note: many other tourist attractions are nearby, so you can do everything on foot.
With regard to the car, we advise you to take it. The works, the many pedestrian streets and the difficulties to park make traffic complicated.
Prices of St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom)
Want to visit Saint-Étienne Cathedral (Stephansdom)? The entrance is free and free throughout the year from Monday to Saturday from 6am to 10pm, and Sundays and holidays from 7am to 10pm. To see towers, catacombs, and to have additional explanations with a guide, here are the times and rates.
The Cathedral
- Monday to Saturday from 9am to 11:30am and from 1pm to 4:30pm
- Sundays and holidays from 1 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
- Rates : 6 € adult and 2,50 € child
South tower
- Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5:30pm
- Rates : 5 € adult and 2 € child
The north tower
- Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5:30pm
- Rates : 6 € adult and 2,50 € child
The catacombs
- Monday to Saturday from 10am to 11:30am and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm
- Sundays and holidays from 13:30 to 16:30
- Rates : 6 € adult and 2,50 € child
Combles
- Only on Saturdays from July/August to 7pm, and in good weather
- Rates : 11 € adult and 5 € child
There is also a ticket all inclusive to 14,90 € adult and 3,90 € child.
Good to know.
Is the cathedral accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, it is accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, some parties are not accessible. You can enter the main door.
Can children go to catacombs?
Access is allowed, but not necessarily advised. The place can scare them, just like claustrophobes.
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