Stephansdom

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Lonely Planet review

The most beloved and recognisable structure in Vienna is the Gothic masterpiece Stephansdom (St Stephen's Cathedral), or Steffl (little Stephen), as it's known locally. It is the geographical and emotional heart of the city and an unmissable sight.

A church has stood on this site since the 12th century, but little remains of the original structure aside from the Riesentor (Giant's Gate) and the Heidentürme (Towers of the Heathens). Both features are Romanesque in style. The Riesentor (rumour has it that the gate was named because a mammoth's tibia, mistaken for a giant's shin, once hung here) is the main western entrance, topped by a tympanum of lattice patterns and statues. Stephansdom's Gothic makeover began in 1359 at the behest of Habsburg Duke Rudolf IV, who earned the epithet of 'The Founder' by laying the foundation stone.

The church's dominating feature is the skeletal Südturm (south tower). Standing 136.7m high, it was completed in 1433 after 75 years of hard labour. Ascend the 343 steps to the top (; - ; adult/concession around €3 /around €1 ) for panoramic views over the Innere Stadt from the cramped viewing platform; it's a long way, but worth the effort.