Austria


Vienna


Saint Stephen’s Cathedral




 

Summary Dating back to the 12th-century, St Stephen’s Cathedral is a fine example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture which makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Vienna. The cathedral displays an impressive interior containing over 18 altars and some beautiful works of art both on its exterior and internally.

Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, known locally as Stephansdom, is in the heart of the city at Stephansplatz and stands as a testament to Vienna’s rich history and architectural grandeur. It is considered a splendid iconic structure, not only for Vienna but also for the whole of Austria.

The origins of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral date back to the 12th century with the initial building work beginning in 1137, with the consecration taking place in 1147.

Over the years it has undergone numerous additional works in the various popular architectural styles, although it displays mainly Romanesque and Gothic, with the current appearance developing from the work carried out in the 14thcentury by Duke Rudolf IV (1339–1365) who was responsible for the construction of the Gothic nave.  In addition to normal developments the cathedral has undergone restoration works following fires and also following WWII, when it was severely damaged.

Today it is a major tourist attraction, with millions of visitors each year, although it still holds religious services and concerts. 

Today visitors are stuck by the magnificence of the exterior, and also the artwork which is displayed around the building.
 

As they approach the entrance in the western façade, they notice its two towers, the south tower rises to a height of 447 ft (136 m) and contains six bells. The north tower 224 ft (68 m) high that holds the Pummerin bell, which is one of the largest in Europe.  (See Photo above). 

The roof consist of over 230,000 glazed ceramic tiles, which are multi-coloured producing an intricate pattern. It also displays the double-headed eagle, the symbol of the Habsburg who were  one of the principal sovereign dynasties of Europe from the 15th to the 20th century.
 

The main entrance to the church is in the western facade with the doorway being named the Giant's Door.  
 

The tympanum above the Door depicts Christ flanked by two winged angels. 
 

On entering the cathedral, one is greeted by an impressive interior which contains 18 altars, although additional altars can be found in the various chapels. 
 

At the end of the left or north aisle is the Wiener Neustädter Altar, this was ordered by the future Emperor Frederick III (r. 1452 -1493) for the Cistercian Viktring Abbey in 1447. Following the closure of that abbey it was moved to the Cistercian monastery of St. Bernard of Clairvaux in the city of Wiener Neustadt. It was sold to St Stephen’s cathedral in 1885 following the monastery’s closure. 

The altar consists  of two triptychs, the upper being four times taller than the lower one. When open it shows gilded wooden figures depicting events in the life of the Virgin Mary. It underwent restoration in 1985 which took 20 years and cost €1.3 million to complete,

The nave runs down the centre of the cathedral.
 

Standing against a pillar in the centre of the nave is the 15th century stone pulpit depicting the busts of four of the Doctors of the Church supported by a treelike structure.  
 

At the far end of the nave is the High Altar. This was built between 1641 and 1647 as part of the first refurbishment of the cathedral in the baroque style. Built using marble from Poland, Styria and Tyrol, the altar represents the stoning of the church's patron St. Stephen. Around the altar are figures of Saints Leopold, Florian, Sebastian and Rochus who are saints from the surrounding areas. Above the altar is a statue of Mary.
 

Against the pillars in the Nave are a number of altars.
 




One thing that is particularly venerated is the Maria Pötsch Icon. Situated above an altar near the southwest corner of the nave, the picture shows the Virgin Mary pointing to the child Jesus (signifying "He is the way") and the child is wearing a cross hanging from his neck and  holding a three-stemmed rose (symbolizing the Holy Trinity).  This dates from 1676 and is surrounded by a framework which dates from 1697.
 

Visitors are able to purchase a selection of souvenirs from the shop situated on the left hand side of the on entry.