Posted by St Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna,
known locally as Stephansdom, is the most important landmark in Vienna
and one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
Located in the very heart of the city, it has shaped Vienna’s skyline,
history, and identity for more than 800 years.
For most visitors, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the first and most essential stop in Vienna.
Why St. Stephen’s Cathedral Is So Important
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is not just a church.
It is a national symbol, a historical archive made of stone,
and a place where Austria’s most important religious and political events took place.
Weddings, funerals, royal ceremonies, and moments of national crisis
have all been connected to this building.
The cathedral has survived fires, wars, and reconstructions.
After heavy damage during World War II,
it became a symbol of Austria’s recovery and unity.
Today, it is both an active Roman Catholic cathedral
and one of Vienna’s most visited attractions.
Admission Prices and Tickets St. Stephen’s Cathedral (as of beginning of 2026)
A small section of the interior of St. Stephen’s Cathedral can be visited free of charge. However, if you want to see more of the cathedral, you need to purchase one or more tickets.
In addition to the main church interior, visitors can also explore the cathedral treasury, two of the four church towers, and the famous catacombs beneath St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Important: There is a ticket for everything (combi-ticket). This can be purchased cheap at Tiqets.com on the Internet. >>>>>> More info and online-tickets
The following admission prices apply to adults (children up to 14 years in brackets):
The interior of the Stephanskirche: 7 Euro (3 Euro children)
Catacombs: About 8 Euro (4 Euro). This is the price for one of the frequent guided tours, the St. Stephen’s Catacombs can only be visited during a guided tour..
Aisle on the Steffl Tower (stairs): Admission about 8 euros (4 children). This is the high church tower of the Stephanskirche.
Lift to the North Tower (smaller Adler Tower): aboout 7 euros (3 euros). At the top is the so-called Pummerin, with a weight of about 20 tons the largest bell in Austria.
Cathedral Treasure St. Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna: around 8 Euro Ticket Adults (4 Euro Children)
Some of these prices might be 2 or 3 years old, prices moght be higher now.
Tickets sights Vienna: Many attractions such as museums in Vienna have limited number of visitors due to Corona. We recommend to buy tickets online at Getyourguide.com or Tiqets.com beforehand.
Location: The Heart of Vienna
St. Stephen’s Cathedral stands on Stephansplatz,
Vienna’s central square and one of the city’s main transport hubs.
From here, Vienna’s historic center spreads out in all directions.
Many of the city’s top sights are within walking distance.
Because of its location, the cathedral naturally fits into almost every sightseeing plan.
Whether you are exploring Vienna on foot or using public transport,
you will likely pass Stephansplatz multiple times during your stay.
Architecture and Exterior Highlights
The cathedral’s exterior is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Central Europe.
Construction began in the 12th century,
and over the centuries the building was expanded, rebuilt, and refined.
The South Tower
The most recognizable feature of St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the South Tower,
which rises to a height of 136 meters.
For centuries, it was the tallest structure in Vienna.
Climbing the tower involves more than 300 steps,
but the reward is one of the best panoramic views over the old town.
The Tiled Roof
The colorful tiled roof is another iconic element.
Made of around 230,000 glazed tiles,
it displays the coats of arms of Vienna and Austria.
The roof is visible from many elevated viewpoints across the city
and is one of Vienna’s most photographed details.
Interior: What to See Inside the Cathedral
Entering St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a powerful experience.
The interior feels vast and atmospheric,
with high vaults, filtered light, and a sense of centuries of history.
Main Nave and Altars
The main nave is dominated by the High Altar,
a masterpiece of late Gothic art.
Numerous side chapels and altars line the interior,
each with its own artistic and historical significance.
Pulpit and Stone Carvings
One of the most famous details inside is the stone pulpit,
richly decorated with symbolic figures and fine craftsmanship.
Even small details, such as carved animals and faces,
invite closer inspection.
The Catacombs of St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Below the cathedral lie extensive catacombs,
used as burial places for bishops, nobles, and members of the Habsburg dynasty.
Visiting the catacombs offers a very different perspective
on Vienna’s religious and political history.
Access is only possible as part of a guided tour.
The atmosphere is quiet, dark, and respectful,
making this part of the visit especially memorable.
Towers: Views Over Vienna
Visitors can access different tower areas,
each offering a unique experience.
The South Tower is reached by stairs,
while the North Tower is accessed by elevator.
From the top, you can see Vienna’s old town,
the Danube, and on clear days even the surrounding hills.
The towers help put the city’s layout into perspective.
Vienna Travel Guides – Useful Before Your Visit
How Much Time Should You Plan?
Time spent at St. Stephen’s Cathedral depends on your interests:
- Quick visit: 20–30 minutes (interior only)
- Standard visit: 1 hour (interior + tower or catacombs)
- In-depth visit: 1.5–2 hours (interior, towers, catacombs)
Because of its central location,
many visitors return more than once,
for example during a city walk or in the evening.
Opening Hours and Entry
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is generally open daily,
but opening hours may change due to services or events.
Entry to the main church area is usually free,
while towers, catacombs, and special areas require a ticket.
Dress respectfully, as this is an active place of worship.
During religious services, sightseeing may be restricted.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral & Vienna Sightseeing Tickets
Guided tours provide deeper insight into the cathedral’s history,
architecture, and hidden details.
How to Get There
Stephansplatz is one of Vienna’s best-connected locations.
Several metro lines stop directly beneath the square.
- Metro: U1, U3 (Stephansplatz)
- On foot: From most central sights
For details, see the
Vienna public transport guide.
Combine St. Stephen’s Cathedral with Other Sights
Because of its central position,
the cathedral is easy to combine with nearby attractions:
Best Time to Visit
Early morning and late afternoon are usually quieter.
Midday and weekends can be crowded,
especially during peak tourist seasons.
Evening visits offer a calmer atmosphere
and beautiful lighting inside the cathedral.
Hotels Near St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Staying in Vienna’s historic center
allows you to reach St. Stephen’s Cathedral on foot.
Conclusion
St. Stephen’s Cathedral Vienna is more than just a sightseeing stop.
It is a place where architecture, history, religion,
and everyday city life come together.
Whether you spend a few minutes inside
or explore towers and catacombs in detail,
the cathedral offers one of the most authentic experiences in Vienna.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephanskirche, Stephansdom) is the large and famous church in the center of Vienna. It is the most important church in Austria and one of the top sights of Vienna. Hardly any tourist comes to Vienna and does not go to St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Important: You should buy the ticket for the church and a tour online: >>>>>> More info and online-tickets
Nearby
Only some minutes walk from the big cathedral is the Mozart apartment Vienna. Mozart lived here for several years.
The very famous Spanish Riding School in the castle Vienna Hofburg is just 10 minutes by foot away.