The history of the famous Austrian Stephansdom dates back to the 12th century. In 1137, the first church was founded on this site, and it was expanded in 1230-1245. But in 1258 there was a fire and the church burned down. Five years later, a second one was built on the same site, designed in the same Romanesque style as the first. But already at the beginning of the 14th century, the church began to transform: first the Albertine Choirs were added, and then an entirely new Gothic church was literally erected "over" the old one. It was planned that new walls would be built on the outside, and the old ones would then be dismantled from the inside. And that is exactly what happened, though only in the 15th century.
In 1433, construction of the south tower was completed, and it became a true masterpiece of architecture. Its height is 136.4 m - and that with foundations only one and a half meters deep! In those days, the upper point of the tower was considered the "ceiling" for the construction of all other buildings in Vienna. In other words, it was forbidden to build anything taller than St. Stephen's Cathedral.
Today this tower has an observation deck offering a stunning view of the city. But to reach it, visitors have to climb 343 steps. Still, the panorama from above is worth the effort.
St. Stephen's Cathedral has three more towers. One of them - the North Tower - was meant to become as tall as the South Tower. But for various reasons it remained unfinished, frozen in 1511 at a height of 68 m. There are many legends "explaining" why this happened. Among them are mystical versions as well. For example, one says that the architect Hans Puchsbaum made a deal with supernatural forces so that work on the construction of the North Tower would finally begin to progress. In return, he promised that until it was completed he would not say aloud the names of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin, or the apostles. And it seemed that everything had fallen into place and the construction was going well, but one fine day, while sitting at the very top of the tower, the architect saw his beloved below. He called down to her from above: "Maria!", completely forgetting that this was also the name of the Blessed Virgin. Suddenly the structure collapsed, and the master fell down. Since then, no one has ever seen him again.
Apart from legends and various tales, the North Tower is also famous for the Pummerin. This is the largest bell in Austria: it weighs more than 21 t, and its diameter exceeds 3 m. Such a "giant" is not disturbed over trifles; it rings only 11 times a year, on the greatest holidays.
Ancient catacombs lie beneath the cathedral. The ashes of 11 thousand people rest there, including the remains of several generations of the Habsburg dynasty. In addition, Stephansdom contains many other precious relics: the pulpit of St. John Capistran, the tomb of Emperor Frederick III, the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Pecs, a sundial, and much more.
Photos by Lola Pidluska were used in preparing this publication
