The construction of this beautiful 12th century cathedral was initiated by King Rudolf IV of Austria, rising on the ruins of a former Romanesque church. Designed mainly in Gothic style and incorporating Romanesque and Baroque elements, the cathedral is crowned by a large spire-shaped tower known as "Steffl", which, at 137 meters high, is one of the highest points in the city and offers breathtaking views of Vienna. Of the total of 13 bells in the building, the so-called Pummerin, located in the north tower, is the second largest hanging church bell in Europe.

The exterior of the cathedral is adorned with elaborate ornamental details, including pinnacles, buttresses and statues, where late Romanesque and especially Gothic can be appreciated. Its spectacular roof, the Tile Ceiling, composed of more than 230,000 tiles forming a large mosaic of the double-headed eagle and the coat of arms of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, as well as beautiful colorful borders, stands out for its spectacular appearance. Its beautiful mosaics had to be restored after suffering severe damage during World War II.

Upon entering, the building captivates with the vastness of its main nave, with its high vaulted ceiling, supported by sturdy pillars. Natural light filters through its beautiful stained glass windows that narrate various biblical scenes and portray saints. Inside you can appreciate various architectural styles from different periods, the result of its different applications and reconstructions over at least 300 years.

The central nave, the side chapels and the choir come from one of the reconstructions made in Gothic style and some of the side buildings were rebuilt in Baroque style. Its interior houses the mortal remains of the Habsburg family and was the site of Mozart's wedding and subsequent funeral; a commemorative plaque describes in detail the composer's relationship with the cathedral.

The main altar, located at the east end, is a masterpiece of baroque art, noted for its grandeur and intricate details. It belongs to the Porta Coeli type, which simulates in its construction a portal to heaven. It shows scenes of the stoning of St. Stephen in front of the walls of Jerusalem and at the top you can see Christ seated at the right hand of the Father.

In addition to numerous altars and side chapels of great value, the cathedral has a museum where the impressive treasures of the cathedral can be seen: relics decorated with precious stones and gold, monstrances, liturgical texts and books, as well as mantles. The beautiful Pilgram Pulpit sculpted in Gothic style and the catacombs excavated in the mid-18th century complete the rich heritage of this impressive cathedral.

Today, St. Stephen's Cathedral, standing majestically in the heart of Vienna, remains an active center of religious worship as well as a popular tourist attraction. Architecturally, Stephansdom is a masterful synthesis of styles, from its Romanesque roots to its soaring Gothic vaults to its Baroque influences in the interior. These details, along with its glazed roof tiles and ornamental sculptures, make it a living cathedral of European architecture. It is also an important symbol of Vienna and Austria as a whole.

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