SAINT
STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL (STEPHANSDOM) -
Right in the exact centre of Vienna, St Stephen’s
Cathedral is an impressive sight. It is situated in
Stephensplatz and the underground – Yellow or
Red – will drop you right in this important
square of Vienna.
St Stephen’s Cathedral was
built during the 14th to 16th Centuries and is massive
Gothic Church. The roof is tiled which gives it an
unusual appearance. From the outside the huge bell
tower is the dominant feature - it is a truly impressive
sight with intricate stonework (a height of almost
450 feet). Visitors to Vienna from late 2004 will
notice the extensive restoration work on the steeple.
The interior of the St Stephen’s Cathedral
is awesome with towering gothic arches and massive
support columns.
The interior has a number of notable features including
–
The High Altar and stained glass windows
The tombs of Emperor Frederick III
(who is said to have invented the “Semmel”
bread roll served at every meal in Austria) and the
tomb of Prince Eugene of Savoy
The ornately carved pulpit (have a look for the self-representation
of the artist looking through a window)
The altar of the New People of Vienna. And so on.
American and Russian air attacks in 1945 and Nazi
arson as they retreated meant Vienna had to embark
on massive reconstruction work after World War II
to restore St Stephen’s to its previous state.
The Church is currently in use and so the main Nave
may be cordoned off for a short time during religious
ceremonies, but tourists and visitors are allowed
access to the rear of the Cathedral at these times.
Stephansplatz Square itself is a
hub of Vienna life with pedestrians everywhere, buskers,
artists, sellers of all kinds of wares, etc.
FIAKER DRIVE – HORSE AND CARRIAGE TRIP
It is also one of the main places to start a fiakker
(fiacre) ride. The carriages, horses and drivers line
up outside the main entrance to the Church ready to
take you on a romantic drive around the City. A word
of advice, check the price and the route before you
start.
