ARCHITECT, Austrian
(active 15th century in Vienna)

Exterior view

15th century
Photo
Stephansdom, Vienna

The Romanesque church dedicated to St Stephen was founded in 1137. The first structure was completed in 1160, but major reconstruction and expansion lasted until 1511. The present-day west wall and Romanesque towers date from 1230-1245. A Gothic three-nave choir was constructed east of the church between 1304-1340. A Gothic westward extension was constructed in the first half of the 15th century. The south tower was completed in 1433, and vaulting of the nave took place from 1446 to 1474. The foundation for a north tower was laid in 1450, but its construction was abandoned when major work on the cathedral ceased in 1511.

The tower of the cathedral is a virtuoso work of German Gothic architecture. It can be seen as a huge pinnacle, with none of the light filigree structure typical of German Gothic towers. The steep roof of the church is worthy of note, characterized as it is by geometrical designs in colourfully glazed pantiles.