Catacombs

Overview

Deep beneath the venerable St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria, lies a captivating and somber world known as the Catacombs. Far more than just a burial ground, these subterranean passages offer a unique glimpse into centuries of Viennese history, intertwined with tales of plague, imperial traditions, and evolving burial customs. The Catacombs serve as the final resting place for thousands, including esteemed members of the clergy, noble families, and countless ordinary citizens who fell victim to devastating epidemics. Accessible only through guided tours, this fascinating sub-spot reveals a compelling narrative beneath the bustling city streets, providing a profound historical and cultural experience for any curious traveler.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of the Catacombs are deeply rooted in the burial practices surrounding St. Stephen's Cathedral. From the 13th century until the early 18th century, a cemetery encircled the cathedral, serving as the primary burial site for Viennese citizens. However, as the city grew and public health concerns mounted, Emperor Charles VI decreed the closure of this cemetery in 1732. This pivotal decision necessitated the creation of new underground burial spaces, which would later be romantically dubbed 'Catacombs' in the 19th century.

A significant expansion of these underground crypts occurred in the mid-18th century, largely in response to the devastating bubonic plague outbreak in 1735. To cope with the overwhelming number of deceased, thousands of bodies were interred in mass graves and ossuaries beneath the cathedral and its surrounding square. Between 1745 and 1783 alone, an estimated 10,000 to 11,000 individuals found their final rest here. The era of city-center burials abruptly ended in 1783, when Emperor Joseph II enacted a law prohibiting interments within the city limits for hygienic reasons.

Within the older section, known as the Ducal Crypt, lies the resting place of Duke Rudolf IV, often referred to as 'the founder' for initiating the Gothic reconstruction of the cathedral in 1359. This crypt also holds a peculiar and historically significant collection: the internal organs of numerous Habsburg emperors and archdukes, preserved in copper urns as part of a unique imperial burial tradition. Bishops and other clergy members of the Archdiocese of Vienna are also interred in dedicated crypts beneath the cathedral.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Catacombs of St. Stephen's Cathedral apart is their profound connection to Vienna's past and the unique insights they offer into historical human-environmental interactions. Unlike many other catacombs that merely serve as ossuaries, these contain distinct sections: the renovated crypts for royalty and high-ranking clergy, and the older, more stark ossuaries where the bones of common citizens are stacked. This stark contrast vividly illustrates the societal distinctions even in death, reflecting centuries of hierarchy. The sheer volume of human remains, estimated at over 11,000 individuals, particularly those interred during the plague years, underscores the grim realities faced by the city's inhabitants.

Perhaps the most intriguing and somewhat macabre aspect is the Ducal Crypt's collection of Habsburg entrails. This tradition of separating the heart, viscera, and body for burial in different locations was a deeply symbolic practice of the Habsburg dynasty, making this specific collection a unique historical artifact. Exploring these underground chambers provides an unparalleled, tangible link to the city's rich, often dark, history and the stories of those who built and lived in Vienna. It is a powerful, evocative journey that goes beyond mere sightseeing to touch upon the existential aspects of human existence.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Catacombs are steeped in fascinating, albeit sometimes grim, stories. Historical accounts recall periods when the 'cadaverous odour' from the burgeoning underground burials would occasionally waft up into the cathedral, becoming so unbearable that religious services had to be suspended. This led to drastic measures, including sending prisoners into the catacombs to organize the decaying bodies and bones, breaking down skeletons and stacking individual bones to make more space. Some sections still bear testament to this, with bones arranged in orderly rows topped by skulls.

A well-known historical tidbit connected to the 1783 burial ban under Joseph II is that even Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who had his funeral in St. Stephen's Cathedral, was subsequently buried in a common grave outside the city at St. Marx Cemetery, in accordance with the new regulations. Another curious, if slightly gruesome, detail from the Ducal Crypt tells of a jar containing Empress Maria Theresia's intestines, which reportedly leaked at one point, creating a 'terrible smell' that was initially left unaddressed. These are the kinds of poignant and sometimes startling details that bring the Catacombs' history to life, transforming them from a mere burial site into a repository of human experience.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Catacombs offers a unique and memorable experience, though it requires specific planning. Access is exclusively via guided tours, typically lasting around 30 minutes. These tours depart frequently throughout the day, usually every 15 to 30 minutes, and the meeting point is conveniently located inside the cathedral. Travelers should be aware that the tour involves navigating stairs, so individuals with mobility challenges might find it difficult. For a more comfortable experience, it's worth noting that the underground environment offers a cooler respite during Vienna's warmer months.

To preserve the solemnity and historical integrity of the site, photography and videography are strictly prohibited within the Catacombs. Tickets can be purchased individually or as part of an all-inclusive pass that grants access to other areas of St. Stephen's Cathedral, such as the towers and the main interior. The journey through these atmospheric chambers often concludes with an exit point outside the main cathedral, near the South Tower. While the tales of strong odors are part of its history, modern visitors can rest assured that today's Catacombs are free from any unpleasant smells, allowing for a respectful and deeply moving exploration of this historical marvel.