Stephansdom, Vienna

The "Steffl" is arguably one of the world's most enchanting Gothic cathedrals. A 12th-century construction at heart, it was renovated in Gothic style between 1304 and 1433. Its Northern Tower, standing at a height of 70 meters (229.6 feet), was redesigned according to Renaissance aesthetics in 1579 and the interior was given a baroque slant following the Counter Reformation. St. Stephen's Cathedral's famed bell, the "Pummerin," weighing no less than 21 tons, suffered considerable fire damage in World War II. It has since been repaired and is now used to mark special occasions, such as to ring in the new year. It also houses remains of 11,000 people in the catacombs, which can be seen by the visitors.

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