Plizio Visual Lab
St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral, affectionately called 'Steffl' by the Viennese, is the undisputed landmark of Vienna and the most significant Gothic structure in Austria. For centuries, its striking silhouette with the 136-meter-high south tower has defined the cityscape. The colorful roof is unique, consisting of nearly a quarter of a million glazed tiles that depict the imperial double eagle and the coats of arms of the city of Vienna and Austria. Inside, the cathedral impresses with its spiritual atmosphere, artistic altars such as the Wiener Neustadt Altar, and the magnificent tomb of Emperor Frederick III. A tour of the catacombs leads into the deep layers of Viennese history, while a climb up the tower provides a dramatic view over the rooftops of the old town. The cathedral also houses the famous 'Pummerin,' the second-largest free-swinging church bell in Europe, which only rings on special occasions. As the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna, the cathedral is not only a tourist magnet but also the religious heart of the country. The blend of Romanesque west towers and the High Gothic nave tells the story of centuries of construction and the cathedral's significance for the House of Habsburg. Every year, millions of people visit this architectural masterpiece at Stephansplatz to admire its art treasures or attend solemn services.
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Top sights: Saint Stephen's Cathedral · Stephansdom Crypt · Adlerturm
- Nearby: Schwechat (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 38 | 46 | 41 | 85 | 91 | 88 | 87 | 79 | 54 | 45 | 43 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The south tower of the cathedral is exactly 136.44 meters high and open to visitors.
- The roof consists of approximately 230,000 colorful glazed tiles.
- The Pummerin bell weighs over 20 tons and was cast from captured cannons.
- The bones of around 11,000 people rest in the catacombs.
- Construction of the cathedral began in the 12th century in Romanesque style.
- Emperor Frederick III is buried in a monumental high tomb made of red marble.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town St. Stephen's Cathedral (10)
Treasure of St. Stephen's Cathedral🏛 museum
Collection of valuable objects owned by St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Fiaker
Horse-drawn carriages waiting for passengers at Stephansplatz.
Virgilkapelle
Former church beneath Stephansplatz, now an archaeological site.
Dom Museum Wien🏛 museum
Museum on Stephansplatz with art from the cathedral, archdiocese, and modern works.
Erzbischöfliches Palais🏰 castle
Palace of the Archbishop of Vienna on Stephansplatz.
Treasury of the Teutonic Order🏛 museum
Museum in Vienna displaying treasures of the Teutonic Order.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Does entering the cathedral cost anything?
Which tower can be climbed?
What is the Pummerin?
Are there catacombs?
When are masses held?
St. Stephen's Cathedral: where is it located?
St. Stephen's Cathedral: what is there to see?
St. Stephen's Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
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