Vienna's St Stephen's Cathedral within reach

St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna rises majestically as a Gothic landmark above the rooftops of Vienna's 1st district. With its high church towers, it can be seen from large parts of the capital. Conversely, its towers offer a marvellous view of the city. However, St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna also attracts many visitors thanks to its history, atmosphere and hidden secrets.

For a long time the tallest building in Europe

The majestic south tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna rises an imposing 136.4 metres into the sky above the old town and remains one of Vienna's most impressive landmarks to this day. Affectionately known as ‘Steffl’ in the vernacular, the cathedral tower not only symbolises masterful Gothic architecture, but also the pride of an entire city.

The appreciation of the Viennese for St Stephen's Cathedral was so great that for a long time no other church tower in Europe was allowed to be built higher, as it symbolised Vienna's central role in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Even today, Vienna's tallest church tower still casts a spell over visitors from all over the world and tells of a time when grandeur and faith were inextricably linked.

The south tower of St Stephen's Cathedral

From the south tower, once the highest church tower in Europe, you have a marvellous view over the entire city. To visit the tower of St Stephen's Cathedral, you first have to climb the 343 steps that lead up to the Türmerstube. In the uppermost part of the Türmerstube of St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, there is a small bench where the Türmer once sat. From here, he kept a watchful eye out for fires and other dangers in order to warn the city in good time.

St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna during the Nazi era

During the Nazi era, St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna was not only seen as a religious symbol, but also as a political one. In April 1945, during the last days of the war, a Nazi officer ordered the destruction of the cathedral. However, another officer refused the order, which saved St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna from the planned demolition. Nevertheless, St Stephen's Cathedral was severely damaged by a devastating fire in 1945. The fire destroyed the roof truss, the old Pummerin fell down and parts of the interior were damaged. Despite the destruction, St Stephen's Cathedral was rebuilt and today symbolises resistance, hope and Austria's new beginning. A special symbol of resistance is the O5 carved into the stone to the right of the giant gate. This symbol stands for Austria and was carved by the resistance group of the same name, which opposed the Nazi regime during the Second World War.

The Vienna Catacombs in St Stephen's Cathedral

The catacombs under St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna are a mysterious piece of the city's history and an exciting excursion destination in Vienna. There are around 30 burial chambers in the underground vaults, containing the remains of around 11,000 people, including former canons, priests and citizens of Vienna. The Viennese catacombs were used as burial sites for centuries and offer a unique insight into burial traditions of bygone times.

The hidden chapels and winding corridors, which were once also used as places of refuge, are particularly fascinating. The catacombs in Vienna are only accessible on guided tours. Discover a place full of history, atmosphere and secrets in the Vienna Catacombs.

The north tower of St Stephen's Cathedral

It is cosier in the north tower of St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, the ‘Adlerturm’. The lift takes you to the viewing platform at a height of around 50 metres. The tower is 68.3 metres high and is crowned by an imperial double-headed eagle. This is where the famous Viennese Pummerin hangs, which was cast in 1951 from the remains of the old bell that was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1945 and fell from the south tower. There are also many myths surrounding the north tower of St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna: it is said that it was never completely finished because the devil had a hand in it.