St. Stephan’s Cathedral in Vienna, Austria
Vienna Austria is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in
the world. Among many famous tourist sites within the city is St. Stephen’s
Cathedral, which is easily their most visited Cathedral in the city. Located in
the city square “Stephansplatz” this Gothic church is awe inspiring, bustling,
and close to multiple forms of transportation. This Cathedral from the 12th
century echoes back to Vienna’s past and reminds everyone who visits it of the
city’s rich heritage.
While the original stonework was laid in the 1130s and multiple doors and other
aspects of the church still remains, various parts have had to be rebuilt, which
is why there are many baroque features about this church added onto its original
Gothic flare. This building has been through everything from petty vandalism to
aerial bombings that occurred during World War 2. The church also holds the
tomb of the emperor Frederick the 3rd.
The church was not officially a Cathedral until the 1400s, however it has always
been an important centerpiece of the city. This church is a perfect example of Gothic
architecture from the 12th century. The taller of the two spires reaches to 450 feet in
the air, and is a significant feature of the Gothic style. The church is also complete with
flying buttresses to assist in holding the weight of the heavy stones that make up the
building. The interior is possibly more dramatic and detailed than the outside - the ceiling
tells stories of saints and sinners, and iconography exists all over the walls for Christians
to interpret and take in. Tall columns line the long nave, creating a stunning entry for
all who enter. The exterior roof of the building is tiled, “featuring an intimidating double
headed eagle that pops out in black from 230,000 tiles that make up the ceramic
mosaic spread” (Culture Trip). In conclusion, this stunning building echos the 12th
century Gothic style amazingly and has held this image through the ages.
Works Cited
Culture Trip. “A Brief History of Vienna's St Stephen's Cathedral.” Culture Trip,
The Culture Trip, 4 Apr. 2017,
theculturetrip.com/europe/austria/articles/a-brief-history-of-viennas-st-stephens-cathedral/.
Ermengem, Kristiaan Van. “Stephansdom, Vienna.” A View On Cities, www.aviewoncities.com/vienna/stephansdom.htm.
“Home.” Stephansdom – St.Stephen's Cathedral, 17 Sept. 2019,www.visitingvienna.com/sights/stefansdom/.
I just like how you chose Vienna because I was actually just learning about this in my FUSE class the other day. I like how the pictures just show all the details that we talked about in class. Such as the ribbed vaulting and the pointed arches. These images are just really good for finding the aspects we listed in class.
ReplyDeleteI've never even heard of this cathedral before, but it truly is beautiful; it's amazing how much it's been able to endure. I like how you discussed some of the features of Gothic cathedrals that we've learned about in class, which made it easier to visualize and understand!
ReplyDeletePeople tend to forget how long many buildings like this have been around. From vandalism to bombings, it is quite amazing that this cathedral and others are still around.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that you mentioned that the cathedral only became a cathedral in the 1400s. What seperates a church from a cathedral? Is a cathedral a more prestegious versiou of a church?
ReplyDeleteIn class we discussed the difference between a cathedral and a church. To be a cathedral, it holds the bishop's chair, or cathedra. It is a political and spiritual marker for the bishopric.
DeleteI remember this now, I was thinking we had gone over it but I wasn't completely sure if that was just in my head. If I understand correctly, Bishops held a very high spot in the churches hierarchy and to have a cathedral in your city was a privilege in some ways.
DeleteI have always wanted to visit Austria. This post made me want to visit even more! I think what the cathedral has gone through over the years is what makes it even better.
ReplyDeleteThank god this cathedral was not destroyed in WW2 that would have been a shame. I like how it was rebuilt with baroque design.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are breath-taking! Despite having read several blog entries about cathedrals, I still never get over the enormous size of these buildings! I think the fact that it has been preserved (and is being rebuilt to maintain the structure) really shows the pride the locals have for this place.
ReplyDeleteI think cathedrals are one of my favorite things that came out of the Middle Ages. Typically people see the Middle Ages as a dark and dreary period, but I think cathedrals show that some beauty was involved too. This one in particular is absolutely breathtaking, and I would love to visit some day.
ReplyDeleteI really find the symetrical roof top astonishing that is shown in the picture that is posted. It is fascinating that even back then the architects of that time really had there measurements down, and they did this with way simpler tools than they have in today's society. Also, I like how the walls tell the story of saints and sinners. It reminds me of some paintings in my church back home.
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