After 30 Years: South Tower of Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral Without Scaffolding for the First Time

In 1995, the Cathedral Workshop discovered the first cracks in the south tower – a warning signal that marked the beginning of one of the most comprehensive restorations in the cathedral's history. At a height of 80 meters, the first protective scaffolding was erected at that time. What followed was a 30-year renovation – characterized by elaborate interventions, engineering feats, and decades of perseverance.

Steel Constructions and Time Capsule at Dizzying Heights

A dramatic finding soon appeared on a 25-meter-high side turret: The damage could have led to the collapse of around 50 tons of stone material. The Cathedral Workshop responded quickly: The upper, intact half was secured with a steel construction, and the lower part was replaced.

Particularly spectacular was the restoration of the tower's pinnacle at up to 137 meters high, which was last scaffolded in 1864. During this process, the golden eagle on the tower crown was also restored. The sphere beneath it contains a time capsule with historical documents. In 2008, additional objects were added to this capsule – a greeting to future generations.

Medieval Masterpiece Through the Ages

With a height of 137 meters, the south tower is considered one of the most significant Gothic structures in Austria. The elaborate architecture with its detailed surface not only showcases medieval craftsmanship – it also demands the highest level of skill in preservation today.

Although acid rain as an environmental pollutant has decreased, long-term damage is still evident in parts of the structure, especially on the north side. The erosion of the limestone and natural weather influences make regular maintenance indispensable. Therefore, the cathedral will not be without scaffolding in the future either.

Investigations after Dangerous Climbing Action on the South Tower

In addition to the end of the restoration, a supposed climbing video is currently making headlines. A clip was recently published on YouTube showing several people climbing unsecured on the south tower – all the way to the top. Whether this is a new or old recording is the subject of current investigations. The cathedral workshop has filed a complaint.

No damage to the structure has been detected so far. The cathedral authorities strongly warn against such "roofing" actions: they are not only life-threatening but also potentially harmful to the structure and dangerous for passersby.

Current Construction Projects in Vienna

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