STEPHANSDOM, Exterior

St. Stephen's Cathedral, a characteristic example of Gothic art, was founded by the Emperor Rudolf IV, in the year 1359. A look at the exterior, however, reveals important traces of earlier buildings incorporated into the construction. One example are the two pointed Romanesque turrets that close the narrow facade, known as the "pagan towers".

The main entrance is the "Giant’s Door" in the center of the façade, decorated with 13th-century sculptures.

Before going inside, however, I suggest you walk right around the exterior.

The most distinctive element is the sloping roof, covered with some 250,000 colored enamel tiles that form vivid geometric ornamental patterns and coats of arms of the Habsburgs. The original roof was destroyed in the bombings, and the present one is the result of careful restoration work completed in 1957.

Turning clockwise, after the small Gothic portico reserved for the bishop's entrance, halfway down the left side is the mighty Eagle Tower. Construction of the tower began in 1450, and was stopped at a height of 68 meters, in contrast with the original plan....