St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
St. Stephen's Cathedral | ||
---|---|---|
Cathedral and Metropolitan Church of Saint Stephen and All Saints | ||
Stephansdom ( Style Romanesque, Gothic | | |
Groundbreaking | 1137 | |
Completed | 1578 | |
Specifications | ||
Length | 107 metres (351 ft) | |
Width | 70 metres (230 ft) | |
Nave width | 38.9 metres (128 ft) | |
Height | 136.7 metres (448 ft) | |
Number of spires | 2 main | |
Spire height | North: 68.3 metres (224 ft) South: 136.44 metres (447.6 ft) | |
Materials | limestone | |
Bells | 22 | |
Administration | ||
Archdiocese | Vienna | |
Clergy | ||
Archbishop | Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, OP | |
Laity | ||
Director of music | Markus Landerer (Domkapellmeister) | |
Organist(s) | Thomas Dolezal Ernst Wally Konstantin Reymaier |
St. Stephen's Cathedral (German: Stephansdom
History
By the middle of the 12th century, Vienna had become an important centre of German civilization, and the four existing churches, including only one parish church, no longer met the town's religious needs. In 1137,
Founded in 1137 following the Treaty of Mautern, the partially constructed Romanesque church was solemnly dedicated in 1147 to Saint Stephen in the presence of Conrad III of Germany, Bishop Otto of Freising, and other German nobles who were about to embark on the Second Crusade.[2] Although the first structure was completed in 1160,[3] major reconstruction and expansion lasted until 1511, and repair and restoration projects continue to the present day. From 1230 to 1245, the initial Romanesque structure was extended westward; the present-day west wall and Romanesque towers date from this period. In 1258, however, a great fire destroyed much of the original building, and a larger replacement structure, also Romanesque in style and reusing the two towers, was constructed over the ruins of the old church and consecrated 23 April 1263. The anniversary of this second consecration is commemorated each year by a rare ringing of the Pummerin bell for three minutes in the evening.
In 1304,
In 1365, just six years after beginning the Gothic extension of the Albertine choir, Rudolf IV disregarded St. Stephen's status as a mere parish church and presumptuously established a
During World War II, the cathedral was saved from intentional destruction at the hands of retreating
Exterior
The church was dedicated to St. Stephen, also the patron of the bishop's
Towers
Standing at 136 meters (446 ft) tall and affectionately referred to by the city's inhabitants as "Steffl" (a
The north tower was originally intended to mirror the south tower, but the design proved too ambitious, considering the era of Gothic cathedrals was nearing its end, and construction was halted in 1511. In 1578, the tower-stump was augmented with a Renaissance cap, nicknamed the "water tower top" by the Viennese. The tower now stands at 68 metres (223 ft) tall, roughly half the height of the south tower.[citation needed]
The main entrance to the church is named the Giant's Door, or Riesentor, possibly referring to the
Roof
The glory of St. Stephen's Cathedral is its ornately patterned, richly coloured roof, 111 metres (364 ft) long, and covered by 230,000 glazed
Bells
Composer
A peal of eleven electrically operated bells, cast in 1960, hangs in the soaring south tower. Replacements for other ancient bells also lost in the 1945 fire, they are used during Masses at the cathedral: four are used for an ordinary Mass; the quantity increases to as many as ten for a major holiday Mass; and the eleventh and largest is added when the
The north Roman Tower contains six bells, four of which were cast in 1772, that ring for evening prayers and toll for funerals. They are working bells of the cathedral and their names usually recall their original uses: Feuerin ("fire alarm" but now used as a call to evening prayers) cast in 1879; Kantnerin (calling the cantors (musicians) to Mass); Feringerin (used for High Mass on Sundays); Bieringerin ("beer ringer" for last call at taverns); Poor Souls (the funeral bell); Churpötsch (donated by the local curia in honour of the Maria Pötsch icon in the cathedral), and Kleine Glocke (cast in 1280 and is the oldest bell in the cathedral).[citation needed]
The 1945 fire destroyed the bells that hung in the south Roman Tower.[7]
Fixtures on the outside walls
During the Middle Ages, major cities had their own set of measures and the public availability of these standards allowed visiting merchants to comply with local regulations. The official Viennese ell length standards for verifying the measure of different types of cloth sold are embedded in the cathedral wall, to the left of the main entrance. The linen ell, also called Viennese yard, (89.6 centimetres (35.3 in)) and the drapery ell (77.6 centimetres (30.6 in)) length standards consist of two iron bars. According to Franz Twaroch, the ratio between the linen ell and the drapery ell is exactly .
A memorial tablet (near location SJC on the Plan below) gives a detailed account of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's relationship with the cathedral, including the fact that he had been appointed an adjunct music director here shortly before his death. This was his parish church when he lived at the "Figaro House" and he was married here, two of his children were baptised here, and his funeral was held in the Chapel of the Cross (at location PES) inside.[11]
Adjacent to the catacomb entrance is the Capistran Chancel, the pulpit (now outdoors at location SJC) from which
A figure of Christ (at location CT) is known affectionately to the Viennese as "Christ with a toothache" (de:Zahnwehherrgott). At the southwest corner (location S) are various memorials from when the area outside the cathedral was a cemetery, as well as a recently restored 15th-century sundial on a flying buttress.[citation needed]
Interior
Altars
The main part of the church contains 18 altars, with more in the various chapels. The High Altar (HA) and the Wiener Neustadt Altar (German: Wiener Neustädter Altar) (WNA) are the most famous.
The first focal point of any visitor is the distant High Altar, built over seven years from 1641 to 1647 as part of the first refurbishment of the cathedral in the
The Wiener Neustädter Altar at the head of the north nave was ordered in 1447 by Emperor
The Wiener Neustädter Altar is composed of two
Máriapócs Icon
The Maria Pötsch Icon (MP) is a
After claims of two
The residents of Pócs wanted their holy miracle-working painting returned, but the emperor sent them a copy instead. Since then, the copy has been reported to weep real tears and work miracles, so the village changed its name from merely Pócs to Máriapócs and has become an important pilgrimage site.
Pulpit
The stone pulpit is a masterwork of late Gothic sculpture. Long attributed to Anton Pilgram, today Niclaes Gerhaert van Leyden is thought more likely to be the carver. So that the local language sermon could be better heard by the worshipers in the days before microphones and loudspeakers, the pulpit stands against a pillar out in the nave, instead of in the chancel at the front of the church.
The sides of the pulpit erupt like stylized petals from the stem supporting it. On those Gothic petals are
Beneath the stairs is one of the most beloved symbols of the cathedral: a stone self-portrait of the unknown sculptor gawking (German: gucken) out of a window (German: fenster) and thus famously known as the Fenstergucker. The
Chapels
There are several formal chapels in St. Stephen's Cathedral:
- St. Catherine's Chapel, in the base of the south tower, is the baptismal chapel. The 14-sided baptismal font was completed in 1481, and its cover was formerly the soundboard above the famed pulpit in the main church. Its marble base shows the four Evangelists, while the niches of the basin feature the twelve apostles, Christ and St. Stephan.
- St. Barbara's Chapel, in the base of the north tower, is used for meditation and prayer.
- St. Valentinewhose body (one of three, held by various churches) is in another chapel, upstairs.
- St. Bartholomew'sChapel, above St. Eligius' Chapel, has recently been restored.
- The Chapel of the Cross (PES), in the northeast corner, holds the burial place of Mozartoccurred here on 6 December 1791. The beard on the crucified Christ above the altar is of real hair. The chapel is not open to the public.
- Last Supper. A large chest holds the bones of St. Valentine that were moved here about a century ago, from what is now the Chapter House to the south of the High Altar.
Tombs, catacombs, and crypts
Since its earliest days, the cathedral has been surrounded by cemeteries dating back to Roman times, and has sheltered the bodies of nobles and commoners. It has always been an honour to be buried inside a church, close to the physical presence of the saints whose relics are preserved there. Those less honoured were buried near, but outside, the church.
Inside the cathedral are the tombs of Prince Eugene of Savoy (PES), commander of the Imperial forces during the War of the Spanish Succession in the Chapel of The Cross (northwest corner of the cathedral) and of Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor (Fr3), under whose reign the Diocese of Vienna was canonically erected on 18 January 1469, in the Apostles' Choir (southeast corner of the cathedral).
The construction of Emperor Frederick's tomb spanned over 45 years, starting 25 years before his death. The impressive
When the
The basement of the cathedral also hosts the Bishops, Provosts and Ducal crypts. The most recent interment in the Bishop's crypt completed in 1952 under the south
The
Organs
St Stephen's Cathedral has an old organ tradition. The first organ is mentioned in 1334.[13][14] After the 1945 fire, Michael Kauffmann finished a large electric action pipe organ in 1960 with 125 stops and 4 manuals, financed with public donations.[15] In 1991, the Austrian firm of Rieger rebuilt the choir organ. It is a mechanical organ, with 56 voices and 4 manuals.[16]
The Kauffmann organ at the west end was only used for about 35 years before falling into disuse. In 2017-2020 the Austrian firm of Rieger rebuilt the west end (Riesenorgel) organ using the 1960 facade and some old pipework and this resulted in an organ of 5 manuals with 130 stops. [17] The choir organ has its own console but there is a separate console, built 2017-2020 and comprising 5 manuals with 185 stops, from which the Riesenorgel and choir organ can be played at the same time.[18] In addition to the Riesenorgel and choir organ the Cathedral also has 3 smaller instruments.[19]
Conservation and restoration
Preservation and repair of the fabric of the medieval cathedral has been a continuous process at St. Stephen's Cathedral since its original construction in 1147.
The porous limestone is subject to weathering, but coating it with a sealer like silicone would simply trap moisture inside the stone and cause it to crack faster when the water freezes. The permanent Dombauhütte (Construction Department) uses the latest scientific techniques (including laser cleaning of delicate features on stonework), and is investigating a process that would impregnate the cavities within the stone with something that would keep water from having a place to infiltrate.
The most visible current repair project is a multi-year renovation of the tall south tower, for which scaffolding has been installed. Fees from advertising on the netting around the scaffolding were defraying some of the costs of the work, but the concept of such advertising was controversial and has been discontinued. As of December 2008, the majority of the restoration on the south tower has been finished, and most scaffolding removed.
Systematic cleaning of the interior is gradually proceeding around the walls, and an outdoor relief of Christ in Gethsemane is being restored.
A major project has been recently completed for which visitors and worshippers in St. Stephen's Cathedral had been waiting since 1147: better heating of the church during the winter. Previous systems, including fireplaces, just deposited soot and grease on the artwork, but the new system uses apparatus in many different locations so that there is little moving airflow to carry damaging particles. The church is now heated to around 10 °C (50 °F).
Some of the architectural drawings date from the Middle Ages and are on paper 15 ft long and too fragile to handle. Laser measurements of the ancient cathedral have now been made so that a digital 3-dimensional virtual model of the cathedral now exists in its computers, and detailed modern plans can be output at will. When weathered stonework needs to be repaired or replaced, the computerized system can create life-sized models to guide the nine full-time stonemasons on staff in the on-site workshops against the north wall of the cathedral.
On 29 March 2014, a 37-year-old man vandalized the interior of the cathedral by pushing the statue of St. Jude Thaddeus from its marble base.[20]
In January 2020, art historians discovered a mural under layers of dirt on the wall of what is now the cathedral's gift shop. It is believed to be the work of the Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer.[21]
Notable people, events and burials
Notable musicians who have been Kapellmeister at St. Stephen's include:
- Johann Joseph Fux 1701–1712
- Georg Reutter 1715–1728
- Johann Georg Reinhardt 1728–1738
- Johann Georg Reutter 1738–1772 – kapellmeister when Joseph Haydn and his brothers were choirboys
- Leopold Hoffmann1772–1793
- Johann Georg Albrechtsberger 1793–1809
- Joseph Preindl 1809–1823
- Johann Baptist Gänsbacher 1823–1844
- Joseph Drechsler 1844–1852
- Johann Baptist Krall
The cathedral has hosted the weddings and funerals of many notable figures in Austrian and European history.
- Weddings of royalty: Louis II of Hungary and Mary of Austria (1515); Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor and Anne of Bohemia and Hungary (1515)[22]
- Weddings of musicians: Teresa Cornelys and Angelo Pompeati (1745); Joseph Haydn and Maria Anna Theresia Keller (1760);[23] Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Constanze Weber (1782)[24] – Mozart's funeral in 1791 took place in the Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Funeral of Antonio Vivaldi (1741)[25]
- Wedding of Antonie Brentano (1798), a patroness of the arts who is speculated to be Beethoven's "Immortal Beloved"
- Funerals of members of the House of Habsburg: Franz Joseph I of Austria (1916), Emperor of Austria during World War I and Kaiser for 68 years;[26][27] Zita of Bourbon-Parma (1989), last Empress of Austria;[28] Otto von Habsburg (2011), last Crown-Prince of Austria-Hungary
- Funerals of European royalty: Croatia
- Funerals of politicians: Thomas Klestil (2004), former president of Austria;[29] Kurt Waldheim (2007), former president of Austria and Secretary-General of the United Nations[30]
- Funeral of Niki Lauda (2019), former Formula One world champion and entrepreneur.[31]
Notable figures buried in the crypt: (For a list of nobility buried in the crypt, see Ducal Crypt, Vienna)
- Johannes Cuspinian (born Johan Spießhaymer) – Austrian humanist, historian, scientist, and diplomat
- Elisabeth of Austria, Queen of France – wife of Charles IX of France, remains transferred to crypt after death
- Jan van Hoogstraten – Dutch Golden Age painter
- Neidhart von Reuental – minnesinger
- Former Joseph Othmar Rauscher
Stephansdom in popular culture
As Vienna's landmark, the St. Stephen's Cathedral is featured in media including films, video games, and television shows. These include
Balassi Mass
Since 2008, the two sabres of the Balint Balassi Memorial Sword Award, founded by Pal Molnar, have been blessed during a Balassi Mass held a few days before the award ceremony. On 25 January 2013, in the presence of some three hundred Hungarians, Bishop Laszlo Kiss-Rigo blessed the two swords during a Mass celebrated in the cathedral.[33]
Gallery
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Heidenturm
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Roof tiles mosaic
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Nave with organ and pulpit
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Interior in evening
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Interior
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Interior
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Organ on the side wall
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Side chapel
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Portrait of Anton Pilgram
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St. Leopold side chapel
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Baptismal font
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Pulpit from a distance
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Pulpit
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Tomb of Emperor Frederick III
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North aisle, 1849
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The Fenstergucker
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05 symbol forAustrian Resistance
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Model
See also
- List of tallest churches
- Stephansplatz, Vienna
- List of Gothic Cathedrals in Europe
- List of tallest structures built before the 20th century
References
Citations
- ^ "Unser Stephensdom" [Our Stephansdom] (in German). Retrieved 12 September 2014.
- ^ Wikisource:Catholic Encyclopedia (1913)/Vienna
- ^ a b "Stephansdom". Österreich-Lexikon. Archived from the original on 21 January 2009. Retrieved 26 November 2007.
(...) History of Construction: First (?) construction 1137, consecrated 1147, completed as parish church (in possession of the bishopric of Passau) in 1160 (lower floors of the eastern "Heidentürme" and lower parts of the wall divisions are still extant). The various princes subsequently tried to found an independent diocese at St. Stephen's. Vienna was finally granted the status of a diocese in 1469 and St. Stephen's became a cathedral; metropolitan church of the archdiocese since 1723. (...)
- ^ Diem, Peter. "Der Stephansdom und seine politische Symbolik" [St. Stephen's Cathedral and its political symbolism] (in German). Austria Forum. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
- ^ Based on the info from a guided tour at the Vienna City Museum. The year of the replacement has been embedded into the removed emblem.
- ^ "Stephansdom | Architektur | Riesentor". www.stephansdom.at. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- ^ "Die Geschichte des Stephansdoms" [The history of the St. Stephan's Cathedral]. Unser Stephensdom. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
- ^ "Viennese Ells". July 2007. Retrieved 14 November 2007.
- ^ Twaroch, Franz (2002). "Die Maßstäbe am Wiener Stephansdom". Wiener Geschichtsbiatter (in German). 57. Vienna.
- MS PowerPoint) on 27 June 2004. Retrieved 14 November 2007.
- ^ It is often mistakenly stated that Mozart died poor and so was buried in an unmarked pauper's grave. The truth is that under burial laws decreed in 1784, all – rich or poor – were required to be buried unembalmed and without coffins in communal graves. These laws were still in effect when Mozart died in 1791.
- ^ The Muslims invaded in 1529 and again in 1683, but were turned back from Europe both times by the resistance of Vienna to the sieges it endured.
- ^ "Die Orgel im Stephansdom" (in German). "Rettet den Stephansdom" – Verein zur Erhaltung des Stephansdoms. Archived from the original on 6 January 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
- ISBN 3-9500017-0-0.
- ^ "St Stephan's Church: Main organ". Catalogue entry. International Organ Foundation. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
- ^ "St Stephan's Church: Choir organ". Catalogue entry. International Organ Foundation. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
- ^ "Riesenorgel (Giant Organ) - Vienna Cathedral Music". Domkirche St. Stephan. 21 February 2023.
- ^ "Riesenorgel (Giant Organ) - Vienna Cathedral Music". Domkirche St. Stephan. 21 February 2023.
- ^ "Organs - Vienna Cathedral Music". Vienna Cathedral Music. 21 February 2023.
- ^ "Ibrahim A. -- A Ghanian Asylum Seeker as Church Desecrator". The Eponymous Flower. 1 April 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
- ^ "Centuries-old painting discovered in cathedral souvenir shop may be work of Renaissance master". Fox News. 14 January 2020.
- ISBN 9780802026569.
- ^ Music and Medicine, Volume 1. Medi-Ed Press. 1994. p. 37.
- OCLC 31435799.
- ^ "Antonio Vivaldi Biography". Paralumnum. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
- ^ "St. Stephen scene of splendor at Franz Joseph's funeral". The New York Times. 1 December 1916.
- ISBN 9780852441732.
- ISBN 9781612150048.
- ^ "Funeral held for Austrian leader". BBC News. 10 July 2004.
- ^ "Waldheim, ex-UN leader and Nazi, buried in Austria". Reuters. 24 June 2007.
- ^ "F1 stars attend Niki Lauda's funeral". BBC News. 29 May 2019. Retrieved 30 May 2019.
- ^ "Geburtagsmesse für "Manner-Schnitten"-Chef im Stephansdom" [Birthday celebration for "Manner wafers" boss in the cathedral] (Press release) (in German). Archdiocese of Vienna. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
- ^ "Wien: Ungarn feierten "Balassi-Messe" im Stephansdom" [Vienna: Hungary celebrated in "Balassi Mass" at St. Stephen Cathedral]. Austrian Catholic Press Agency. 26 January 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
Sources
- Böker, Johann J. (2007). Der Wiener Stephansdom in der Spätgotik (First ed.). Salzburg: Pustet. p. 432. ISBN 978-3-7025-0566-0.
- Donin, Richard Kurt (1952). Der Wiener Stephansdom und seine Geschichte (in German). Vienna: A. Schroll. ASIN B0000BHI6S.
- Feuchtmüller, Rupert; Kodera, Peter (1978). Der Wiener Stephansdom (in German). Vienna: Wiener Dom-Verl. p. 420. ISBN 3-85351-092-2.
- Gruber, Reinhard H.; Bouchal, Robert (2005). Der Stephansdom: Monument des Glaubens (in German). Vienna: Pichler Verlag. ISBN 3-85431-368-3.
- Gruber, Reinhard H. (1998). St. Stephan's Cathedral in Vienna. Vienna: St. Stephan's Cathedral. ASIN B001OR6HQ4.
- Macku, Anton (1948). Der Wiener Stephansdom: Eine Raumbeschreibung (in German). Vienna: F. Deuticke. p. 30.
- Meth-Cohn, Delia (1993). Vienna: Art and History. Florence: Summerfield Press. ASIN B000NQLZ5K.
- Riehl, Hans (1926). Der St. Stephansdom in Wien (in German). Vienna: Hrsg. von der Allgemeinen vereinigung für christliche kunst. p. 64.
- Strohmer, Erich V. (1960). Der Stephansdom in Wien (in German). Vienna: K.R. Langewiesche. ASIN B0000BOD4J.
- Toman, Rolf (1999). Vienna: Art and Architecture. Cologne: Könemann. ISBN 978-3829020442.
- Zykan, Marlene (1981). Der Stephansdom (in German). Vienna: Zsolnay. p. 301. ISBN 3-552-03316-5.
External links
- Official website
- St. Stephen's Cathedral tours
- St. Stephen's Cathedral concerts (German and English)
- St. Stephen's Cathedral museum
- St. Stephen's Cathedral guided tour
- St. Stephen's Cathedral permanent construction office (German)
- St. Stephen's Cathedral association (German)
- Archdiocese of Vienna (German)