Two Beautiful Churches in Vienna
   

click any image for a detailed view

St. Stephen's Cathedral is certainly among the most impressive in Austria, perhaps in all of Europe. A thorough cleaning was in progress during our visit so it will soon appear as it was intended to be seen. Shown here, only the towers and front facade have been cleaned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The spiral-staired pulpit of St. Stephen's is a museum-quality sculpture in itself.

According to the official Vienna web site...

"The architectural history of St. Stephen's begins in the 12th century, the oldest remaining parts date from the 13th century....

Duke Rudolph IV of Habsburg, in 1359, laid the cornerstone of the Gothic nave with its two aisles. The South Tower (Südturm), 448 feet high, was completed in 1433. After 1511, building in the Gothic style ceased; the unfinished North Tower (Nordturm), 224 feet high, was capped with a makeshift Renaissance spire in 1579."

Click here to learn more.

 

The St. Stephen's bell tower provides a marvelous view to the east. For centuries the threat of invasion across that open land was very real. Twice the Turks came close to capturing the city. The defensive walls and ditches remained in place till the 1700s. For a Kansas tourist, however looking down from this height can be a little unsettling.

The simple courtyard and unpretentious exterior of the Franciscan Church is a bit deceiving. We almost passed it by. --- Tourist tip: Never pass a European church without at least a peek at the interior.

The dimly lit grandeur of the church's interior defies even the modern camera lens. Imagine hearing Mozart's requiem for the first time in this setting.

The design is Baroque at its highest point. Ornate and colorful but, at the hand of a master, just this side of over the top.
    Click here to learn more of the history of Austria.
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