Stephansdom

Stephansdom, or St. Stephen's Cathedral, is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vienna and one of the most important religious buildings in Austria. Located at Stephansplatz in Vienna's Innere Stadt, it is a dominant city landmark and a symbol of Vienna's historic center.

The site originally hosted a Romanesque church; construction of the present cathedral began in 1137, gradually extended in the Gothic style during the 14th and 15th centuries. The cathedral features two asymmetrical towers, the taller south tower known as Steffl, and the shorter north tower, which together define Vienna's skyline. The roof is covered with multicolored glazed tiles arranged in distinctive geometric patterns.

The interior displays a mix of Romanesque and Gothic elements, with a broad nave, chapels, and notable artworks. The north tower houses the Pummerin, one of Europe’s largest bells; the bell has a storied history, including a replacement cast after World War II. The Cathedral’s Crypt and catacombs hold relics connected to Vienna’s dynastic past.

Stephansdom has suffered damage and subsequent restoration during several periods, most notably after heavy bombing in World War II. Restoration has preserved its medieval fabric while enabling modern use as a place of worship and a major cultural venue. The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna and remains an active parish church, while also serving as a popular tourist site and concert venue.

The Vienna historic center, including Stephansdom, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers the city’s core.