St. Stephen's Cathedral Vienna: Towers, Catacombs & Tips

With its distinctive silhouette, St. Stephen's Cathedral has shaped Vienna's city center for centuries. The Gothic South Tower, an impressive 136.7 meters high, is not only a technical masterpiece of medieval architecture but also offers an unrivaled panoramic view over the rooftops of Vienna – an unforgettable moment, especially at sunset.

A real eye-catcher is the richly detailed tiled roof: more than 230,000 glazed roof tiles form colorful patterns and the coat of arms of the City of Vienna. A motif that delights not only on postcards but also in real life.

Beneath the cathedral lies a completely different world: the catacombs take you into the depths of Vienna's history and give a vivid impression of life (and death) in past centuries. If you would rather experience the spiritual side of the cathedral, you can attend one of the regular organ concerts – an acoustic experience in a unique, venerable setting.

Special experiences at St. Stephen's Cathedral:

Climb the South Tower for a sweeping view over the whole city
Iconic tiled roof with more than 230,000 colorful roof tiles
Historic catacomb tours guaranteed to give you goosebumps
Atmospheric organ concerts in an impressive setting

St. Stephen's Cathedral is more than a building – it is a living place of history, culture and spirituality. Let yourself be inspired by one of Austria's most important landmarks!

Accessible entrance
Guided tours available
Gift shop
Restrooms
Photography allowed
Wheelchair accessible

Address: Stephansplatz 1, 1010 Vienna
Get directions

St. Stephen's Cathedral is Vienna's Gothic landmark, with its colorful tiled roof, the historic Giant's Door (Riesentor), impressive side chapels and the famous Pummerin bell. Highlights include the catacombs, the observation towers (South and North Tower) and the magnificent interior with its high altar and pulpit.

You can usually visit the front part of the nave free of charge. For the wider areas, audio guides or guided tours, as well as the towers and catacombs, you need separate tickets. Allow 30–45 minutes for a short visit, or more like 60–90 minutes with a tower climb and a catacomb tour.

The South Tower is the classic climb up many steps, with an impressive view of the city. The North Tower is reached by elevator and takes you to the Pummerin bell and an observation platform. The catacombs can only be visited on a guided tour and offer fascinating insights into the history of the cathedral and of Vienna.

The easiest way is the U1/U3 station "Stephansplatz" – the cathedral stands right on the square. The main entrance is the Giant's Door (Riesentor) on the west facade. From Kärntner Straße, the Graben and Hoher Markt you are there in a few minutes.

Photography without flash is generally allowed in the public areas of the church; tripods and drones are off-limits. Please don't take photos during services, and be sure to keep quiet. Respectful clothing and behavior go without saying – St. Stephen's Cathedral is an active place of worship.