Stephansdom, one of the preferred Vienna attractions, is a Gothic cathedral constructed in the 12th century. It is a 352 feet high cathedral that is associated with Austrian and Viennese history. It is at this site that Mozart's 'pauper's funeral' took place. Napoleon is also said to have posted his farewell edict at Stephansdom in Vienna in 1805. Maria Pocs Icon, chapels, catacombs, tombs and fixtures on its outer walls are some of the major attractions of Stephansdoms that attracts tourists from far and wide.
A wild fire that broke out in Vienna in 1258 destroyed a major part of the cathedral. Towards the beginning of the 14th century, a Gothic building was erected on the ruins of the cathedral. Again during the Turkish siege of 1683, the cathedral suffered a heavy blow. Stephansdom of Vienna came under the threat of Russian bombardment in the year 1945. Destruction is said to have continued till the end of the Second World War. It was in 1948 that the cathedral was restored and reopened. At present, Stephansdom, also known as St Stephen's Cathedral, is counted among the greatest Gothic structures in the entire continent. The cathedral is famous for its woodcarvings, paintings and sculptures. The 135-meter high steeple of the cathedral is used as a symbol to signify the spirit of the city.
The pulpit of Stephansdom at Vienna is a masterpiece of Anton Pilgrim, the renowned stone carver of the contemporary world. The pulpit features four gothic petals containing the portraits of St Ambrose, St Jerome, St Augustine and St Gregory. However, the main attraction of the cathedral is the Wiener Neustadt altarpiece. The richly decorated altar portrays the Virgin Mary. Tobias Pock is known to have constructed the altar of the church on the directions of Philipp Friedrich Graf Breuner. The cathedral features many chapels, namely St Barbara's Chapel, St Katherine's Chapel, St Bartholomew's Chapel, St Valentine's Chapel and St Eligius' Chapel.
The tomb of Emperor Fredrick III, made up of Salzburg marble, is a marvel to look at. The tomb depicts the hobgoblins, who are toiling to arouse the emperor. One can view the funeral urns, containing the entrails of Habsburg family members, in the entrance to the crypt. Tourists willing to see the Vienna Woods can climb up the South Tower, which are 343 steps high.
