#1 Vienna Sight: Stephansdom
Stephansdom from the front
The Stephansdom Cathedral in the bustling city center may not be the oldest church in Vienna, but it is certainly the grandest and most-visited. The Stephansdom is a gargantuan structure of impressive stonework, flying buttresses, spires, and mosaic roof tiles fit for Pope Benedict XVI's visit on Sunday, September 9.
The 350-foot-long (107m) and 112-foot-wide (34m) limestone building flaunts a highly Romanesque and Gothic style. The cathedral serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Vienna and was first built in 1147. Over the years, fires and WWII have caused extensive damage to the church, but it has been repaired and remodled to its grandiose present day condition. It's currently undergoing a cleaning of the exterior to remove years of soot and reveal its original white color.
Visitors can enjoy the numerous cathedral sights and tours available, both inside and out. Tour the highly intricate and ornate interior, inspect the crypt or catacombs, or climb the 445-feet-tall (136m) south tower for an unbeatable view. Church services at the cathedral are also open to the public and are broadcast on Radio Stephansdom (107.3).
The area around the cathedral is a sight in itself. The cobblestone cathedral square is always full of street performers, like musicians, human statues, and break dancers. The surrounding shops and eateries, on the other hand, are posh and popular. To get to the Stephansdom, take the U1 metro line to Stephansplatz. For more information, visit www.stephansdom.at.
Stephansdom from the side
