Stephansdom

It's impossible to miss the Cathedral around which Vienna has grown. This temple of worship, and seat of the cardinal, is a symbol of survival and belief for the pious population. At the end of the Second World War a fire caused tremendous damage to the building. Almost immediately the whole country began collecting (obligatory) donations to begin speedy reconstruction. Still today school children swarm out regularly to collect much needed funds (donations are no longer obligatory), so that ongoing renovation work on the 850 year-old facade can continue. Only recently did I realise how the colour of the fourth tallest gothic steeple in the world has changed. It's white again! The main facade will hopefully be visible again soon, too.

The Viennese nicknamed the city's landmark “Steffl”, meaning "little Stephan", and a trip to Vienna is not complete if this treasure has not been admired from within. Open every day, and still very much in use, enter through the main front gate and stand in awe, appreciating what Adolf Loos once called “the most solemn interior in the world”. 

There are regular guided tours in English, these can include visits to the Catacombs and, sometimes in summer, evenings tours of the roof. On the last night of the year St Stephan's square is packed with champagne wielding masses ready to hear the massive Pummerin bell ring in the New Year.