St. Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral stands as Vienna's most iconic landmark, a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece that has watched over the city for nearly nine centuries. Originally consecrated as a modest Romanesque parish church in 1147, this architectural gem underwent a dramatic transformation beginning in the 14th century, evolving into the stunning cathedral visitors admire today. What truly captures the imagination is the cathedral's distinctive silhouette, dominated by the soaring South Tower—affectionately called "Steffl" by locals—which rises 136 meters into the Vienna skyline. The tower took 65 years to complete, finally finished in 1433 after becoming Europe's tallest church tower for nearly 50 years. But the real showstopper is the ornately patterned roof, covered with 230,000 glazed tiles forming a magnificent double-headed eagle—a symbol of Habsburg imperial power. Inside, visitors encounter centuries of artistic devotion, including the stunning Baroque High Altar built between 1641 and 1647. Walking through the Giant's Doorway, you're stepping into living history, experiencing layers of architectural styles and witnessing a structure that survived devastating World War II damage to become a symbol of Austria's resilience. Every stone tells a story of faith, ambition, and cultural pride.