Stephansdom Cathedral

Stephansdom, one of Vienna's most recognisable symbols, standards on the ruins of an earlier ancient Roman church, built and dedicated to St. Stephen in 1147. Of this, only the Giant's Gate and the Heathen Towers remain.

Stephansdom from the Outside

The cathedral is crowned by a 137-meter (450-foot) spire. The Gothic-style Steffl Tower, or Little Stephan, as it's ironically known, can be seen all over Vienna. A snail's-pace climb up the tower's staircase will reward you with unforgettable views over the city centre.

Admire the cathedral's striking multi-coloured roof, made up of 230,000 glazed tiles in ornate chevron patterns and the distinctive double-headed eagle, a symbol of the historic Habsburg dynasty.

Inside Stephansdom

The many different architectural styles visible inside Stephansdom pay testament to Vienna's complex history: see Gothic naves, side chapels and choirs side by side with Baroque features like the High Altar. Visit the elaborate tombs of the many important people who have had the honour of being buried inside the cathedral throughout history, and it was the site of Mozart's wedding and funeral.

Stephansdom's vaults also guard a huge collection of artwork spanning several centuries. Some of the highlights of the cathedral include:

• The Pummerin ('Boomer') Bell: the original Pummerin was cast out of over 200 cannons seized from Turkish troops after the 1705 siege of Vienna. In the fire of 1945, the almost 22,679 kilogram (50,000 lb) bell crashed to the floor of the destroyed south tower. Its replacement, now located in the sturdier north tower, is the largest bell in Austria.
• The catacombs: excavated in the 18th century, the ossuaries contain the remains of over 10,000 Viennese citizens.
• The image of Christ crucified, above the altar in the Chapel of the Cross, has a beard made of real human hair. According to legend, the hair continues to grow!

Cathedral Museum (Dom und Diözesanmuseum)

The Cathedral Museum has in its collection religious paintings from the 18th century, sculptures of the Virgin and Child dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, and even some Medieval-age carvings. Stephansdom's most precious objects are now housed in their own exhibition: the Treasure is found in the cathedral's west gallery.

Concerts

Vienna Cathedral is also one of the best and most attractive venues for concerts. Works by Mozart, Vivaldi or Beethoven are some of the great performances that take place during the year, as well as great giant organ concerts or a series of Advent concerts at Christmas time.

The Heart of Vienna

Stephansdom is one of Vienna's most important monuments and a must-see on any trip to the Austrian capital. Its location in the heart of the city makes it the perfect place around which to centre your sightseeing, as it's surrounded by numerous other places to visit, as well as excellent restaurants and cafés.