St. Stephen’s bells

With 22 bells St. Stephen’s Cathedral hosts the largest ensemble of bells in Austria and one of the largest in the world.

The ‘Pummerin’ at the top of the unfinished North Tower, also known as the ‘Voice of Austria’, is particularly famous. It is one of the largest free swinging bells in the world and it is only rung on special occations.

The bells in the South Tower, 11 all together, were made in 1960 and are rung in various combinations for the different services.

A special treasure has been preserved in the northern of the two Roman Towers in the west: 6 historic bells carrying illustrious names, the oldest of which dates back to the 13th century.

Two further historic bells which were almost melted down to be made into ammunition during World War II are still waiting to be brought back into use.

High up in the top of the South Tower are two medieval ringing hours and quarters.