Graben
Graben: Vienna's Elegant Heart
The Column of Pest: A Symbol of Vienna's Resilience
A stunning Baroque monument in Vienna's Graben, commemorating the end of the Great Plague and the city's enduring strength.
The Column of Pest, also known as the Pestsäule or Trinity Column, is a prominent Baroque monument in Vienna's Graben, erected after the Great Plague epidemic in 1679. Commissioned by Emperor Leopold I, it stands as a symbol of the city's resilience and gratitude for overcoming the plague.
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A brief summary to Column of Pest
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Getting There
Walking
The Column of Pest is located in the Graben, a pedestrian zone in the heart of Vienna's Innere Stadt. From Stephansplatz, walk west along the Graben. The column will be prominently visible in the center of the street. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport
The closest subway station to the Column of Pest is Stephansplatz, served by lines U1 and U3. From the station, take the 'Graben' exit. The column is a short walk away. A single ride on Vienna's public transport costs €2.40.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Vienna. A short trip from a nearby location in the Innere Stadt, such as the Vienna State Opera, to the Column of Pest will typically cost between €8-€12. Note that traffic within the city center can affect pricing.
Local tips
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Take a stroll around the Graben to admire the Column of Pest and the surrounding architecture.
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Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, located nearby, for another impressive example of Vienna's architectural heritage.
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Enjoy a coffee and pastry at one of the many cafes surrounding the Graben.
Discover more about Column of Pest
Located on the Graben, one of Vienna's most famous streets, the Column of Pest is an elaborate Baroque monument with a rich history. Following the Great Plague epidemic that devastated Vienna in 1679, Emperor Leopold I vowed to erect a mercy column if the city was spared further devastation. The initial wooden column was replaced by the current monument, which was completed in 1694 after numerous redesigns and contributions from various artists.The column's design is a dramatic composition of swirling clouds, angels, and saints, crowned by a golden Holy Trinity. The base features a relief of Leopold I kneeling in prayer. The complex iconography conveys that the plague and the Ottoman's Second Siege of Vienna in 1683 were punishments for sin, averted by Emperor Leopold I's piety and intercession. The monument also served as a symbol of his victory.Today, the Column of Pest remains one of Vienna's best-known and most prominent sculptural artworks, a testament to the city's survival and a reminder of its history.
A brief summary to Column of Pest
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