Where did the money for construction come from?
The building of monumental churches needs monumental funding. No city could raise such an amount today. However was it possible in the Middle Ages?
The political climate in Central Europe from the 12th and 14th centuries is pretty stable. Trade and economy are blossoming - perfect conditions for cities to boom. Furthermore spirituality is big business and a place in heaven comes at a hefty price. And so the building of St. Stephen’s, as is the case with many other medieval cathedrals, is financed largely through compulsory shrove money.
But the people also make voluntary donations, and generous ones at that. And those who can’t afford to offer their services for free. Charity still plays a major part in the upkeep of the Steffl; the Viennese landmark costs over 2 million Euros each year to maintain. St. Stephen’s doesn’t have 23 offertory boxes for nothing…