Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral)
The Stephansdom or the St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city of Vienna. The church is located close to other Vienna’s major sight and landmarks in heart of the city and can be easily reached by foot in few minutes. It is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Vienna and the seat of Archbishop of Vienna worth visiting due to its spectacular architecture which is a splendid combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
The original Stephansdom was completed in 1160 most likely on the site of an earlier church but the reconstruction and expansion works lasted until 1511. The original church was built in Romanesque style but it was mostly destroyed in a great fire in 1258. A larger Romanesque church was constructed on the ruins of the previous church and consecrated in 1263. The first Gothic elements of the Stephansdom were added during the reign of Albert I (1298-1308) who ordered a three-nave choir east of the church. His son and successor Albert II built the Albertine choir which was expanded westwards by Rudolf IV. The expansion was planned to encapsulate the old church entirely and the old structure was therefore removed from within as the work progressed. The south tower was completed in 1433, while the construction of the north tower started in 1450 was abandoned as the major works on the cathedral ceased in 1511.
The St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a spectacular building both outside and inside but its richly colored, patterned roof covered by 230,000 glazed tiles is the main highlight of the church. A mosaic on the south side displaying a double-headed eagle symbolizes the imperial power of the Habsburg dynasty. North side features the coat of arms of the city of Vienna and of the Republic of Austria.
The interior of Stephansdom contains priceless artworks and houses the tombs of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III (in the Apostles’ Choir) and of Prince Eugene of Savoy (in the Chapel of The Cross), while the Ducal Crypt which is located under the chancels holds 78 containers with the bodies, hearts or viscera of 72 members of the Habsburg House.