The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1883-02-03
st. Stephens Cathedral.

The Vienna correspondent of the Amer
ican Sentry, says:
This grand old cathedral is considered
by many to be the finest specimen of Gothic
architecture on the globe. The main por-
ton of it was begun about five centuries
ago, but the two turrets in the Byzantine
style, which form portion of the Giants
Gate on the western side Of the building
are portion of a still older church erected
at least two hundred years earlier. The
building is of limestone, in the form of
Latin cross. The length is about three
hundred and fifty feet, the breadth two
hundred and thirty. The roof is covered
by colored tiles, and the slope is such that
they are easily seen by the passer on the
streets. The steeple is looked upon as a
masterpiece of architecture it contains one
bell weighing $4,000 pounds. This was
cast from cannon taken from the Turks in
1853. The view from this tower on a
clear day includes the Danube, and extends
over the battlefelds of Marchfeld, Wa
gram, Aspern, Schwechat and Loban.
During the last few years the work has
been earnestly prosecuted on the old build
ing, and it is now in most excellent condi-
ton. The exterior is striking and attrac-
tive. The huge towers at the Giants Gate,
or "Briesenthor," give most striking ef-
feet to the western side of the building
This grand door is only opened on occa-
sions of especial pomp or solemnity The
Bishops Door and the Eagles Door are
those in ordinary use.
The interior of this church contains, Of
course, several affairs and chapels, each
decorated Independently as regards the style,
so that no two are alike. The Thekla
Choir contains the sarcophagus Of Emperor
Frederick Ill, who died in 1893. We
fall to moralizing sometimes over these
great and oftentimes wise people OF the
mast. who were so satisfied with their own
day and generation. They went their own
way grandly, many of them, conquerlng
nations and subduing kingdoms trium-
plant on their own continent yet not reused
to the knowledge that there were other
continents waiting beyond the seas for mas
ter minds to grasp at their existence. This
old Emperor of Austria passed over the
great unfathomed sea of death while the
ships of Columbus were bringing to the
old world the word that another continent
lay beyond the great waters of the Atlantic
The new world has long since outgrown its
swaddling clothes, and its strength and
vigor become the pride and glory of its
children, yet the freshness is not worn off
the stone which marks the resting place OF
Frederick III. The monument is very
odd. built of red and white marble 1t
was designed by Lerch and finished in
1913. 1t is large and elaborate, built in
several sections, and adorned by many coats
of.arms, below which are engraved texts OF
Scripture. Around the lower part Of the
pedestal or foundation we find many Gu
rious animals, carved life-size in stone.
What the significance of these representa-
tions from animated nature is, We have
never been able to make out, but we very
often find them taking quite prominent
part in the designs of the artists of other
days. Lizards run over the balustrades
of exquisitely carved pulpits; monkeys
climb into the sanctuary itself; while grit
fins grin at you from buttress or spire.
A part of the stained glass of this ca
thedral is ancient, the rest modern all OF
it unusually beautiful. The vaulting is
richly groined and upheld by pillars of un-
usual size, adorned by many small statues.
Most of these are well executed.
The pulpit wrought out of stone by the
old artist, Pilgram, stands in conspicuous
position in the nave. 1t is eccentric In de-
sign. Four of the old fathers of the Church
stand nearly life-size in bold relief on the
front strange animals creep over the land
ing of the steps; just back of these the
architect himself looks out of a good sized
window, apparently to see what the effect
of his work is on the passer-by. This pul-
pit is beautiful, spite of the inoongruous
elements brought together by the design of
the old master. The workmanship is so
good we enjoy every part of it. While we
were examining it, we did find ourself
wondering if old Pilgram had not some
tender interest in the young children who
frequented the church, and SO carved out
the quaint little animals in order to keep
their eyes directed towards the pulpit.
On the north wall, we find another quaint
design carved in stone The old architect,
J0rg Oechsel, who lived in the early part
of the sixteenth century, has taken posses
sion of the space at the side of the entrance.
He, too, is looking through window. He
seems desirous of having everything prop
erly adjusted, for he stands ON guard over
this beautiful building with compass and
measure in hand.
Time has touched the place very gently,
and the vigilant care Of those who love it,
keep it in state of constant renovation.
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