|
The Stephansdom , distinguished by the multicoloured chevrons on its roof, dominates the Viennese skyline as it has done for centuries. An obvious military target, it has endured two Turkish sieges, Napoleonic bombardment and, in the later stages of World War II, the attentions of American bombers and Russian artillery. That it survived at all is a miracle, and has ensured it a special place in the hearts of the Viennese. The first church on this site was a Romanesque basilica, begun in 1137, but replaced after a fire in 1193 by an early-Gothic variant, which was itself reduced to rubble in the fire of 1258. The foundation stone of the current building was laid in 1359 by Rudolf IV, but it wasn't until the early twentieth century that the choir and several of the chapels were completed. The cathedral's most magnificent feature is the sublime south tower (daily 9am-5.30pm; oS30/?2.18) - nicknamed " Steffl " (Little Stephen) by the locals - which soars to a not-so-little height of around 137m. The north tower, or Eagle Tower (daily: April, June, Sept & Oct 9am-6pm; July & Aug 9am-6.30pm; Nov-March 8.30am-5pm; oS40/?2.91), was to have been built along similar lines, but fell victim to cost-cutting during the build-up to the first Turkish siege of 1529, its half-finished stump eventually receiving a copper cupola in 1556. You can take the lift up the north tower to see the cathedral's great bell, known as the Pummerin (Boomer), though the Steffl, a blind scramble up 343 steps, has better views.
Your Tip for Stephansdom
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Stephansdom - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Stephansdom - visit the main Stephansdom forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Stephansdom webguide section below! Thanks.
|
