North Tower

Overview

Nestled within the architectural marvel that is St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Austria, stands its often-overshadowed sibling, the North Tower, or Nordturm. While its taller counterpart, the South Tower, commands the city skyline, the North Tower offers a distinctly different, yet equally compelling, experience. Standing at 68.3 meters (223 ft), it is approximately half the height of the South Tower. This magnificent structure houses one of Austria's most cherished treasures: the Pummerin, the nation's largest bell. Visitors can ascend the North Tower via a modern elevator, providing comfortable access to panoramic views of Vienna's historic center and a unique, close-up encounter with the legendary Pummerin bell.

History & Cultural Background

The story of the North Tower is one of ambitious plans and unforeseen changes. When construction began with the laying of its foundation stone in 1450, the original intent was for it to mirror the South Tower in grandeur and height, creating a symmetrical pair. However, history intervened. By 1511, financial constraints and a shifting architectural zeitgeist, moving away from the Gothic style that favored towering spires, led to the halting of its construction.

The tower remained unfinished for decades until, between 1556 and 1578, Hans and Kaspar Saphoy completed it with an octagonal Renaissance hood, often playfully referred to by Viennese locals as a 'water tower top'. This distinct Renaissance cap gives the North Tower its unique character, setting it apart from the soaring Gothic elegance of the South Tower. Its completion in 1578 marked a significant milestone in the cathedral's long building history. The tower's practical purpose shifted over centuries, eventually becoming the proud home for the Pummerin bell, a role it has fulfilled since 1957.

What Makes It Special

The North Tower's true distinction lies in its role as the guardian of the Pummerin, a bell of immense historical and cultural significance. Weighing an astonishing 21,383 kilograms (over 47,000 pounds) and with a diameter of 3.14 meters, the Pummerin is not only the largest bell in Austria but also ranks among the largest free-swinging bells globally. Unlike the South Tower, which requires a challenging climb of 343 steps, the North Tower offers an accessible elevator ride, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking impressive views without physical exertion.

From the North Tower's viewing platform, visitors are treated to an exceptional perspective of St. Stephen's Cathedral's iconic, multi-colored tiled roof. This close-up view reveals the intricate patterns, including the double-headed eagle and the coats of arms of Vienna and Austria, which are otherwise difficult to appreciate from ground level. The proximity to the majestic Pummerin itself is a highlight, allowing travelers to grasp the sheer scale of this colossal instrument.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Pummerin bell carries a profound story of resilience and rebirth. The original Pummerin, cast in 1711 from cannons captured from the Ottoman Turks during the 1683 Siege of Vienna, was a symbol of victory and national pride. Tragically, this historic bell was destroyed during the devastating cathedral fire in the final days of World War II in 1945, when its wooden cradle burned and it crashed to the ground. However, from its remnants, a new Pummerin was recast in 1951 in St. Florian, Upper Austria, and gifted to the rebuilt cathedral. This new bell, installed in the North Tower in 1957, now symbolizes peace, freedom, and the reconstruction of Vienna.

Its name, 'Pummerin,' derives from the deep, 'booming' sound it produces, a resonance that marks significant moments in Austrian life. It rings only on very special occasions, such as New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, and Easter Sunday, its solemn peals announcing major events for the city and the Catholic Church, including the election or death of a Pope, or the enthronement or death of an Archbishop. Another intriguing local legend suggests that Emperor Frederick III, when laying the North Tower's foundation stone in 1450, ordered sour wine to be mixed into the mortar, a detail believed to contribute to the tower's remarkable stability.

Visitor Perspective

For a traveler exploring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the North Tower provides a comfortable and rewarding experience. Unlike the strenuous stair climb to the South Tower, the North Tower's elevator makes it easily accessible for families, elderly visitors, or anyone preferring an effortless ascent. The observation deck, though offering views primarily to the north, east, and west (with some southern views obscured by the cathedral's roof), presents a unique vantage point to appreciate Vienna's urban landscape. It is here that you can truly marvel at the mosaic artistry of the cathedral's roof tiles and stand mere feet away from the Pummerin, feeling the silent grandeur of this immense bell. A visit typically lasts between 20 to 35 minutes, allowing ample time to soak in the views and the historical ambiance. Tickets are available at the site, and visitors should note that individual tower tickets are often cash-only, though an all-inclusive pass may offer more flexibility.