st stephen's cathedral vienna

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Right in the very heart of Vienna, St Stephens Cathedral rises into the sky, a Romanesque and Gothic-style masterpiece that is sure to impress. This famous Austria church is one of the most important religious buildings in Vienna, as well as one of the city's top tourist attractions. It is known in German as Stephansdom, and it graces the Stephansplatz, which is Vienna's most centrally located square. As such, it is a great place to begin walking tours of Vienna. 

It is because of structures like Stephansdom that Vienna's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are plenty of other great attractions in the vicinity, such as Hofburg Palace. Including this Austria cathedral on the itinerary is ideal for anyone who likes history and architecture. Even if you aren't already a fan of such subjects, this church is bound to convert you.

The St Stephens Cathedral Vienna stands on the past site of two former churches, the first of which was built in the mid 1100s. Even as far back as the twelfth century, this site was the center of town. In 1258, much of this renowned Austria church was destroyed by a fire, its Romanesque style becoming more Gothic with restorations that were completed in the early fourteenth century. 

Further damage to the structure came in 1683, when Turks besieged the city, and again in 1945, as a result of World War II. By 1948, the St Stephens Austria cathedral was reopened, having undergone a series of additional renovations. Thankfully, many of the church's main treasures and artworks were spared during its long and sometimes violent history. Today, Stephansdom is the mother church to Vienna's Archdiocese. The Archbishop of Vienna has his official seat here.