7 Fascinating Facts About St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) in Vienna

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St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or Stephansdom, is a marvel of medieval architecture and a powerful symbol of Vienna’s cultural and historical identity. Located in the heart of the city, it’s much more than a photo stop—it’s a storybook in stone, tiles, bells, and music. Here are seven fascinating facts about the cathedral, including some hidden gems and legendary moments.

St. Stephen's

Credit: Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0

7 fascinating facts about Stephansdom

1. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century

St. Stephen’s Cathedral was founded in 1137 on the site of an earlier church. Over time, the building expanded into the grand Gothic masterpiece you see today. Its evolution over the centuries reflects the spiritual and artistic development of Vienna itself.

2. Concerts at Stephansdom

St. Stephen's Roof

Credit: UrLunkwill, CC BY-SA 2.5

Beyond its religious significance, Stephansdom serves as a venue for classical music concerts, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the cathedral's acoustics and ambiance in a unique setting.

Explore upcoming concerts at Stephansdom: https://concert-vienna.com/search?type=product&q=St+Stephan

3. Explore the Catacombs Beneath the Cathedral

Beneath the cathedral lies a vast underground maze of crypts, tombs, and charnel rooms. The catacombs contain the remains of over 11,000 people, including bishops, Habsburg royalty, and plague victims. Guided tours offer an eerie but fascinating journey into Vienna’s past.

4. You Can Visit for Free

If you’re in a rush, on a budget, or just want a little taste of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, you can visit the front of the nave and sections of the northern side of the complex without handing over any cash. From the free zone, you can enjoy gorgeous architecture and a sense of the cathedral’s grandeur.

5. Artsy Roof

Many people agree that the best part of Stephansdom is the dazzling roof. Towering 38 meters above the ground and showcasing 230,000 glazed tiles used to form various patterns, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral roof is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. On the south side of the roof above the choir, the mosaics feature the image of a double-headed eagle — the symbol of the Austrian empire when it was ruled by the Habsburgs. The north side features another two eagles, each with only one head and carrying coats of arms representing the City of Vienna and the Republic of Austria.

Because the roof is so steep, it’s rarely covered by snow and is strikingly clean in comparison to other roofs in the city, since the rain falls over the tiles and washes them easily.

6. Famous Faces

Over the centuries, Stephansdom has been associated with numerous notable figures. For instance, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's funeral was held here in 1791. The cathedral has also witnessed the weddings and funerals of various members of the Habsburg dynasty, cementing its role in Austria's imperial history.

Christ Statue at St. Stephen's

Credit: Bede735c, CC BY-SA 3.0

Stephansdom is home to many statues, one of the most interesting of which is known as Christ with a Toothache. This religious representation got its nickname when three men looked at the way the figure’s head was tied with cloth to keep the crown of thorns from blowing away in the wind. They laughed and joked that it looked like Christ had a toothache.

When they returned home, one of the men was suffering immensely from a terrible toothache. He went to the doctor who was unable to do anything for him. Making a connection with what occurred the night before, the suffering man went back to the cathedral and asked Christ for forgiveness. Within one hour, his pain had completely subsided and the statue got its new nickname.

7. Climb for the Best View in Vienna

For breathtaking views over the old town, climb the 343 steps of the South Tower. From the top, you’ll enjoy a panoramic perspective that includes Vienna’s palaces, rooftops, and the blue ribbon of the Danube in the distance. It’s a must for photographers and romantics alike.

Try a virtual tower view: https://www.360cities.net/image/stephansdom-south-tower-vienna