St. Stephen's Cathedral
Stephansdom
A symbol of Vienna, with a 137 m Gothic south tower and a steep roof of 230,000 colored glazed tiles. Mozart was married here and held his funeral here.
St. Stephen's Cathedral was begun in 1137. Its surviving main body is Gothic, dating to the 14th and 15th centuries. It is the metropolitan cathedral of Vienna and the spiritual heart of the city, affectionately nicknamed 'Steffl' by locals. The most striking feature is the 136.4 m South Tower, Austria's second-tallest church tower, along with the steep roof covered in 230,000 colored glazed tiles that form the Habsburg double-headed eagle and the coat of arms of the City of Vienna. The Giant Gate on the west façade and the two Heathen Towers are Romanesque remains. Entry to the vestibule is free, but visiting the main nave requires a ticket costing about €6, which includes an audio guide. Highlights include the 1515 stone pulpit of Pilgrim, where the sculptor appears peeking out from a window in a self-portrait known as 'Window Peeper,' the Vienna New Town Altarpiece, and the red marble tomb of Frederick III. Paid options include climbing the South Tower (343 steps, about €6, with views over the city), taking an elevator up the North Tower to see the 20-ton Pummerin bell (about €6.50; it rings in the New Year), and a guided tour of the underground crypts (urns containing the Habsburg family's organs and remains from the 14th-century Black Death, about €6.50). A combined pass covering everything costs about €20. In 1782, Mozart married Constanze here, and his funeral took place here in 1791. In 1945, the roof was destroyed by fire during the war. Austria's federal states funded its restoration, which was completed in 1952. On Sundays and holidays, visits are restricted during morning Mass. Choir or orchestral Masses are often held and can be enjoyed for free. The cathedral stands on Stephansplatz in the inner city. Exit at Stephansplatz station on U1 or U3, where the pedestrian streets Graben and Kärntner Straße meet. The area is lined with the modern Haas Haus, the Demel pastry shop and countless cafés.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 06:00–22:00, Sun 07:00–22:00; visitors 09:00–11:30, 13:00–16:30
Nearby sights
- Mozarthaus Vienna
- Graben & Kohlmarkt
- Haus der Musik
- Imperial Crypt (Kapuzinergruft)
- Hotel Sacher & Original Sachertorte
- Albertina
- Hofburg Palace
- Vienna State Opera