This year I visited Vienna, Austria during its famous celebration of Steffl Kirtag. From May 25th to May 28th the Wiener Kirtag took place at Rathausplatz right in front of St. Stephan’s Cathedral, the first district of Vienna. See my other post ‘Photo Essay: Life On The Streets of Vienna’ for more photos.

During the 4-days festival, a scenic market, selling traditional products and local delicacies, was set-up on the square, a Merry-Go-Round carousel amused children, and various bands entertained locals and visitors on an open stage. A colorful light installation acted as a decoration inside of the Gothic cathedral. In addition the cathedral offered special guided tours of the church, including a visit to the rooftop with amazing views of Vienna’s cityscape and The Steffl, as Viennese people call St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s south tower, the dominant feature of the Vienna skyline at 136 meters (445 feet).

Click on image to view full size.

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

St. Stephen’s Cathedral has 23 bells in total. The largest is officially named for St. Mary, but usually called Pummerin (“Boomer”) and hangs in the north tower. At 20,130 kilograms (44,380 pounds), it is the largest in Austria and the second largest swinging bell in Europe (after the 23,500-kilogram (51,800-pound) St. Peter’s in Cologne Cathedral, Germany).

St. Stephan's Cathedral. Vienna, Austria

St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Pummerin ("Boomer") Bell Tag. St. Stephan's Cathedral. Vienna, Austria

Pummerin (“Boomer”) Bell Tag. St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Vienna, Austria

Cityscape of Vienna, Austria

Cityscape of Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

Colorful Stephansdom. Vienna, Austria

The Steffl. St. Stephen's Cathedral’s South Tower. Vienna, Austria

The Steffl. St. Stephen’s Cathedral’s South Tower. Vienna, Austria

Wanted to add these two “non-related to the title” photos of suburbs of Vienna taken out of the train window. Note ‘Nona Hora’ on the Church’s Clock :) I am so in love with Austria!

Nona Hora, Austria Out The Train Window

Nona Hora, Austria Out The Train Window

Nona Hora, Austria Out The Train Window

Nona Hora, Austria Out The Train Window