St. Stephen's Cathedral
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St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna is not only a landmark and of religious significance, but also a significant site of Austrian history. It was the coronation church of the Dukes of Austria. The Habsburgs were also buried in the now accessible catacombs. Over the centuries, the cathedral was repeatedly expanded and remodeled, so that today it combines various architectural styles. The distinctive south tower, which at a height of 136,44m (447.6 ft) dominates the city's skyline, can be visited and offers a great view over Vienna. Book your ticket in advance to learn even more about the history and secrets of the cathedral.
By Miriam Dewam
By Miriam DewamSelect a date to find available tickets, tours & activities:
St. Stephen's Cathedral & Cathedral Museum
Explore St. Stephen's Cathedral on your own with an audio guide and visit the modern Cathedral Museum located vis-à-vis, where the historic treasures of St. Stephen's Cathedral are exhibited.
St. Stephen Cathedral All inclusive ticket + Dom Museum Wien
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Vienna: St. Stephen's Cathedral & Dom Museum Wien Tickets
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Tours & Historical Center Tours
Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral as part of a guided tour to learn more about its history and secrets. Find here also more tickets for tours that combine the visit of St. Stephen's Cathedral with other sights in Vienna's historic center!Vienna St. Stephen's Cathedral and city walk
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Concert at Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral
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St Stephen's Cathedral, Top Churches of Vienna Old Town Tour
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St Stephen's Cathedral Vienna Old Town Walking Tour
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8 tips for visiting the St. Stephen's Cathedral
Vienna's landmark from afar | Photo: Unsplash, Christian Lendl
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The best time to visit the CathedralTo avoid the crowds at St. Stephen's Cathedral, which is among the most popular attractions in Vienna, you should visit it early in the morning. That way, you can experience the cathedral in all its glory and take in the fascinating architecture in peace.
View from the roof of St. Stephen's Cathedral | Photo: TicketLens
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Save with a combo ticketThe All-Inclusive Ticket includes not only a self-guided tour of the cathedral with an audio guide but also the visit to the South and North towers, access to the catacomb tour, as well as entrance to the Cathedral Museum. In addition, you have the opportunity to visit the Treasure Chamber of the Teutonic Order free of charge. Book your ticket online with us to save not just money, but also the time-consuming purchase on site.
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Learn more with an experienced guideOf course, you can also explore St. Stephen's Cathedral on your own, but not only will you miss out on the history of the cathedral, you might also miss all the hidden clues. Don't miss out on this informative tour with a guide through the beautiful historical center of Vienna!
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Book your magnificent concert experience at St. Stephen's CathedralEnjoy the unique atmosphere of the Stephansdom at a classic concert. Let yourself be enchanted by the sounds of an Antonio Vivaldi, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Sebastian Bach, or by extraordinary organ music in one of the most beautiful churches in the world. However, these concerts are rare, mostly taking place from Thursday to Saturday, and therefore sell out quickly. If you are interested, it is recommended to purchase early, at least a few weeks in advance. But beware! In front of the cathedral, men in baroque clothing occasionally try to sell concert tickets that are not held in the Stephansdom. Therefore, to be be on the safe side, you should buy your ticket from one of our offers here on TicketLens.
The largest bell in Austria | Photo: Flickr, swkswk - CC-BY-SA 2.0
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Dress code - Respect the dignity of the sacred placeAs with any church, when visiting the Stephansdom, you should pay attention to appropriate clothing. It is best to wear tops that cover the shoulders and at least knee-length pants or skirts. In addition, male visitors are asked to remove their headwear.
The Window Peeker | Photo: Flickr, Marty B - CC-BY-SA 2.0
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Search for the secret symbols of the St. Stephen's CathedralSeveral myths and - according to legend - even a pact with the devil are intertwined with the construction of the St. Stephen's Cathedral. Not only does the facade of the Stephansdom tell part of the story with its hidden clues, but inside the cathedral, you can also find various symbols. Who discovers 'genitals' on the cathedral's facade, the 'toothache lord', a bullet hole from a rifle shot, animal figures on the exterior facade like dragons, lions, or basilisks, a 'servant's Madonna', and so on! Finding and interpreting these signs is indeed great fun for both adults and children!
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North or South Tower?Among the most popular attractions of St. Stephen's Cathedral is of course the climb to the towers, which offer a wonderful view of the city of Vienna. But which of the two towers is the right one for you? If you want to visit a tower with small children, the North Tower is recommended, which can be reached both on foot and by lift. Here, besides a free viewing platform, you also find the most famous bell in Austria, the Pummerin! You can only get to the South Tower, affectionately called ‘Steffl’ by the locals, via stairs. The athletic climb over 343 steps rewards you in return with an even more beautiful view from a height of 136,44m (447.6 ft) from the Türmerstube.
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Special tours of parts of the church not accessible to everyone!Do you want to see the impressive attic of St. Stephen's Cathedral or have a secret look behind the altar? Then there are even special tours for that! The attic is not accessible to the public on their own, but for those interested in architecture, special tours in small groups are offered. Please note that these tours are limited due to the small number of participants and must be booked in advance directly. Find these rare viewing opportunities here in our ticket offers at TicketLens!
Gables of the Cathedral | Photo: Charlotte Nordahl - CC-BY-SA 2.0
Immerse yourself in the history of St. Stephen's Cathedral
The landmark of Vienna with its imposing towers stands in the historical city center and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral has been rebuilt and expanded numerous times over the centuries, making it an architectural masterpiece influenced by many epochs.The Exchange Contract
St. Stephen's Cathedral was only able to acquire its ground and soil on which it was built through an exchange contract between Markgraf Leopold IV of Austria and Bishop Reginmar of Passau. This allowed the Bishop of Passau to build a new church on a site at the edge of what was then the city walls of the ancient city Vindobona. Stephansdom received its name from Saint Stephen, the patron saint of the cathedral of Passau. Until 1469, the cathedral was subject to the Diocese of Passau.
The stylish construction
The original church was built between 1137 and 1147 and underwent constant expansions and renewals over the centuries. The church experienced several fires and was always rebuilt, each time adapted to the architectural style of the period. Thus, the St. Stephen's Cathedral today exhibits both late Romanesque and late Gothic architectural elements. The various forms and stylistic breaks are still recognizable today in the pillar profiles and the figurative decoration. Among the oldest preserved parts are the Heidentürme (pagans' towers) and the Riesentor (giant gate). The Gothic expansion, which was also the most extensive, only took place under the Habsburgs. Under Duke Albrecht II, the expansion of the choir and the construction of the south tower were carried out.
The artfully arranged roof tiles of St. Stephen's Cathedral | Photo: Flickr, Kurayba - CC-BY-SA 2.0
The transformation triggered by fire
Originally, St. Stephen's Cathedral was designed as a parish church, but was made a bishop's seat in 1469 and eventually elevated to a metropolitan church in 1722. Although the church was oversized from the start for the then small city, it is assumed that its elevation to a bishop's seat was already planned. In World War II, the cathedral fell victim to unfortunate circumstances. Looters had set a fire in the shops opposite the cathedral, which, due to unfavorable wind, spread to the cathedral's roof. The fire destroyed large parts of the cathedral, including the roof, the north tower, the giant organ, and the Pummerin. The choir stalls, the choir organ, the emperor's oratory, and the Lettner cross were also destroyed by fire. After the end of the war, extensive renovation work began, and St. Stephen's Cathedral was reopened in 1952. Since then, funerals for famous Austrian personalities have also taken place here, most recently for Niki Lauda and the Viennese auxiliary bishop Helmut Krätzl.
The South Tower of the Cathedral | Photo: Flickr, Paul Hudson - CC-BY-SA 2.0
Did you know...
... that the cathedral even had a tower clock in the 15th century, by which all the city's clocks were set? However, this was removed in 1861 and can now be admired in the Vienna Clock Museum.
...that St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its 22 bells, has the largest peal in Austria, which is also among the largest worldwide. The bells of St. Stephen are divided - among the South Tower, the northern Heidenturm, and the North Tower.
... that the most famous and largest bell in the cathedral is called 'Pummerin'. It has a diameter of 314cm (124 inch) and is also referred to as the voice of Austria. It is located in the North Tower. However, this is not the original bell. This one hung in the south tower but fell and broke during the cathedral fire in 1945. The new Pummerin was cast in 1951 in Upper Austria, a federal state of Austria, partly using the old material and was brought back to Vienna as a gift in 1952. Unlike the other bells, Austria's most famous bell is only rung on special occasions, such as the turn of the year.
...that St. Stephen's Cathedral, with its 22 bells, has the largest peal in Austria, which is also among the largest worldwide. The bells of St. Stephen are divided - among the South Tower, the northern Heidenturm, and the North Tower.
... that the most famous and largest bell in the cathedral is called 'Pummerin'. It has a diameter of 314cm (124 inch) and is also referred to as the voice of Austria. It is located in the North Tower. However, this is not the original bell. This one hung in the south tower but fell and broke during the cathedral fire in 1945. The new Pummerin was cast in 1951 in Upper Austria, a federal state of Austria, partly using the old material and was brought back to Vienna as a gift in 1952. Unlike the other bells, Austria's most famous bell is only rung on special occasions, such as the turn of the year.
The highest towers of the cathedral
The South Tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral, affectionately called “Steffl” by the Viennese, rises high above the rooftops of Vienna. The foundation stone was laid in 1359; the South Tower was completed in 1433. It once served as a lookout for fires. Over 343 steps lead to the Türmerstube, which today offers a fantastic view over the city. After its construction, the South Tower, with its height of 136,44m (448 ft), was the tallest freestanding structure in the world for 50 years and was supposedly not to be surpassed. Here is the main set of bells of St. Stephen, which consists of a total of 11 bells. Up at the tip of the South Tower, there are two more bells.
In the North Tower, there are three bells, including the most famous one, the Pummerin. The other six bells hang in the northern Heath Tower. The North Tower can be reached both on foot and by elevator, but is only 68m (223 ft) high compared to the south tower. It is said that the North Tower remained unfinished due to economic difficulties at the end of the Middle Ages, the impending threat of the Turks, and above all due to the great upheaval in the religious field, the so-called Reformation, or is there perhaps another story behind it?
In the North Tower, there are three bells, including the most famous one, the Pummerin. The other six bells hang in the northern Heath Tower. The North Tower can be reached both on foot and by elevator, but is only 68m (223 ft) high compared to the south tower. It is said that the North Tower remained unfinished due to economic difficulties at the end of the Middle Ages, the impending threat of the Turks, and above all due to the great upheaval in the religious field, the so-called Reformation, or is there perhaps another story behind it?
The Pact with the Devil
Whenever the Viennese couldn't explain a phenomenon in the past, the devil had to be blamed, just like with the never-completed North Tower. According to an old legend, it is said that the city council was looking for a new master builder at the time to accelerate the completion of St. Stephen's Cathedral. The master builder and architect Hans Puchsbaum saw it as an opportunity to ask for the hand of the well-situated daughter of the then cathedral builder Peter Prachatitz, whom he was hopelessly in love with. The master promised Puchsbaum to give him Maria as a wife if he managed to complete the second tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral within a year - thus in an unimaginably record time. However, when difficulties threatened, he made a pact with the devil. The devil promised him help under the condition that Puchsbaum should not mention the name of God, the Virgin Mary, or any other saint during the construction period. When Maria once did not notice Puchsbaum at the construction site and therefore he called her name, the North Tower collapsed and buried him under the rubble.
Before the altar of St. Stephen's Cathedral | Photo: Unsplash, Michela Simoncini
Discover here the unique atmosphere of the Cathedral and some of its architectural peculiarities
During a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral, you can expect a unique interplay of interior and exterior architecture that reflects the history of the Cathedral's creation. The many hidden symbols and their messages make it a very special building!Reconstruction with the united forces of all federal states
During the great fire at the end of World War II, among other things, the entire roof truss was destroyed; and the Pummerin shattered. All nine federal states of Austria participated in the both elaborate and costly reconstruction. Upper Austria donated the new Pummerin, Styria the gate, Lower Austria the stone floor, Vorarlberg the benches, Tyrol the colored windows, Carinthia the magnificent chandelier, Burgenland the communion benches, Salzburg the tabernacle, and Vienna the roof. Thus, St. Stephen's Cathedral literally unites a part of Austrian history.
The magnificent roof
After the originally wooden roof truss had already burned down twice, it was replaced by an elaborate steel structure covered with 230,000 roof tiles. In the south, above the choir, the roof tiles form the then imperial coat of arms, the k.u.k. Doppeladler as well as the year 1831 and the monogram of the emperor, Franz I. On the north side, the roof tiles on the cathedral form the coat of arms of the city of Vienna and the Republic of Austria with the year ‘1950’ (completion of the new roof after World War II). Curiously, the federal eagle of the Republic of Austria does not look to the (legally prescribed coat of arms description) correct side in the coat of arms on the roof. Here, the master roofer at the time may have placed more importance on aesthetics and symmetry (the two birds in the coats of arms for Vienna and Austria face each other) than on legal conditions: It is not allowed to alter a coat of arms.
Special Tip
At Stephansplatz, you can find some coffee houses from which you have a great view of St. Stephen's Cathedral. Here you can admire the cathedral in all its glory with coffee and cake, a typical Viennese Melange or a Viennese ice coffee in the summer. During the Advent season, you will also find nice punch stands in front of the south tower.
The catacombs of the cathedral | Photo: Flickr, Thomas Quine - CC-BY-SA 2.0
The catacombs
Once there was a cemetery around St. Stephen's Cathedral, which had to be closed in the 14th century for hygienic reasons. The most significant gravestones are still attached to the church facade today. Instead of the cemetery, the Katakomben, i.e., underground vault complexes used for the burial of the dead, were established. Therefore, for centuries, a network of cellar vaults has been located under St. Stephen's Cathedral, containing the remains of various princely families, including the Habsburgs, as well as deceased bishops. In the high nobility, it was common to bury body parts separately, so the bodies of the Habsburgs are located in the Imperial Crypt, the entrails in the crypt of St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the hearts in the Herzerlgruft of the Augustinerkirche. In the 30 grave chambers, there are also bones of thousands of deceased who fell victim to the great plague epidemic in 1679 in Vienna.
The facade of Stephansdom | Photo: Unsplash, Shawnn Tan
The curious facade
Looking closer at the facade of St. Stephen's Cathedral, there is a lot to discover. Would you have thought that the cathedral has something to do with an old well-known ‘children's game’ where the “Leo” represents a safe place? Next to the Eagle Gate on the wall of St. Stephen's Cathedral, there is a very old pulley or the so-called ‘asylum ring.’ By touching the asylum ring, persecuted individuals could seek the protection of the church and ‘hide’ there. The term ‘Leo’ refers to Duke Leopold VI., the Glorious, who introduced this form of asylum.
Also, next to the Giant Gate, there are two metal rods that served as a length measure for the tailors' tools to measure cloth lengths.
On the west side, you will also find behind a glass pane approximately the inscription “O5”, which refers both to the eponymous resistance group against the Nazis and to Austria.
Also, next to the Giant Gate, there are two metal rods that served as a length measure for the tailors' tools to measure cloth lengths.
On the west side, you will also find behind a glass pane approximately the inscription “O5”, which refers both to the eponymous resistance group against the Nazis and to Austria.
Extra Tip:
For a crowning conclusion, a relaxing carriage ride through Vienna's historical center is recommended. During a 20-minute (through the inner old town) to 40-minute (over the Ringstraße and through the old town) tour, you experience the most beautiful corners of Vienna in a traditional way!
Hidden Symbols in Stephansdom
The pulpit was once the central place for the proclamation of the Gospel, today the mass takes place at the impressive main altar. Once you stand in front of the detailed ornate pulpit and move sideways, you discover the "window gazer". The window gazer represents an unknown figure, but it is suspected to be a portrait of the cathedral architect Anton Pilgram. Conversely, his self-portrait was intentionally placed below the organ base. However, considering that the huge organ with 10,000 pipes did not sound good before its recent restoration, this was probably not a tribute to the great cathedral architect. The cathedral has quite a few hidden symbols to offer, which make your visit even more interesting.
An eternal restauration struggle
The distinctive coloration of Stephansdom is owed to the limestone, which comes from the Leithagebirge, a mountain range in the south-east of Austria and other regions. Restoration work using this material on the cathedral is still being carried out today. However, the lime content of the stone has a drawback: when it rains, lime is washed out of the stone, forming gypsum that leaves a black layer on the stone. For this reason, Stephansdom is often shrouded, as extensive restorations have to be carried out at regular intervals (about every 40 years) to 'combat' weathering. If these were removed, the cathedral would shine in a white hue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the St. Stephen's Cathedral accessible for people with disabilities?
With the exception of the South Tower and the catacombs, the cathedral is accessible for people with disabilities. Assistance dogs are not permitted. Read more.
Is it allowed to bring food?
Food and beverages brought along may not be consumed inside the cathedral. Read more.
Are strollers allowed in the cathedral?
Strollers are allowed to be taken into St. Stephen's Cathedral. Read more.
Is an audio guide available?
An audio guide is available in some tickets and is recommended. It's available in the languages German, English, French, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Read more.
When are Holy Masses celebrated?
From Monday to Saturday, masses are held at 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM. On Saturdays, the mass at 7:00 PM is held in English. On Sundays and public holidays, they are at 7:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:15 PM, and 9:00 PM. Please note that the service times may vary during the summer months, more information can be found here. Read more.
When can I make a confession?
Confession and declaration can be done daily from 7:00 am to 9:45 pm. However, during the summer months, the times vary. Read more.
When do public tours take place?
The public cathedral tour takes place from Monday to Saturday at 10:30 am in English and daily at 3:30 pm in German. The catacomb tours are held from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 am and 4:30 pm and on Sundays and holidays between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm at half-hour intervals. Read more.
Is it allowed to take photos and videos during the visit?
Videos and photos without a tripod may be taken for personal purposes. Read more.
Vienna's highest observation decks
Photo
Building
Total height
Height of observation deck
Open since
Vienna
St. Stephen's CathedralVienna | Austria
136m#3 in Vienna#3 in Austria#79 worldwide
72m#3 in Vienna#3 in Austria#80 worldwide
1160
DC TowerVienna | Austria
250m#2 in Vienna#2 in Austria#67 worldwide
220m#1 in Austria#61 worldwide
2013
DonauturmVienna | Austria
252m#1 in Vienna#1 in Austria#66 worldwide
165m#2 in Austria#68 worldwide
1964
worldwide
Empire State BuildingNew York | USA
443m#3 in USA#17 worldwide
373m#3 in USA#14 worldwide
1931
Eiffel TowerParis | France
324m#1 in France#42 worldwide
276m#1 in France#36 worldwide
1889
St. Stephen's Cathedral is number 3 in Vienna and number 80 on the worldwide list of the tallest buildings with an observation deck.
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Stephansplatz 3
1010 Vienna
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Written byMiriam DewamMiriam is keen on traveling and has a passion for photography, which she can enhance through her cross-media studies. She uses her knowledge as well as first hand experience from diverse travels to help other travellers as a content creator at TicketLens.
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