Poster Watchmen's Tower, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna

"Entrance to the Watchmen's Tower, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria" by Catherine Sherman. Those who want to climb to the Watchmen's Chamber in the south tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria, can buy tickets at this entrance. The cathedral, which sits in the heart of Vienna, offers 360-degree views from its south tower. There are 343 very narrow winding stone steps up 220 feet (67 meters) to reach the Watchmen's Chamber. The chamber was an apartment for watchmen and firefighters, who manned the tower day and night from the 15th century until January 1956. During the Ottoman empire Siege of Vienna in 1529 and again during the Battle of Vienna in 1683, it served as the main observation and command post for the defense of the walled city. The view was worth the effort. In the top chamber is a small gift shop. A few benches provide a place to rest before making the descent -- which is a lot easier than the ascent! The cathedral's initial foundation stone dates back to 1137. The current building originated in the mid-13th century. The cathedral was badly damaged during World War II, but the city and community repaired all the damage within just a few years.