St. Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral, or Stephansdom, is Vienna’s most iconic Gothic landmark, renowned for its soaring south tower that reaches 136 meters, dominating the city skyline. The cathedral’s history dates back to the 12th century, with its current Romanesque and Gothic form largely shaped between the 14th and 15th centuries. Visitors are drawn to its stunning multicolored tiled roof, featuring intricate patterns including the Imperial double-headed eagle and the coats of arms of Vienna and Austria, made from over 230,000 glazed tiles. Inside, the cathedral impresses with its richly decorated Baroque high altar, the Gothic stone pulpit carved in 1515, and numerous chapels and altars, including the famous Wiener Neustadt altarpiece and the tomb of Emperor Frederick III. The cathedral also houses 22 bells, with the massive Pummerin bell in the north tower being the second largest free-swinging bell in Europe. Visitors can climb the 343 steps of the south tower for panoramic views over Vienna or take an elevator to the north tower to see the Pummerin up close. The catacombs beneath the cathedral, containing tombs and relics, offer a fascinating glimpse into its history. St. Stephen’s Cathedral remains an active place of worship and a symbol of Vienna’s resilience and cultural heritage.