Column of Pest, Vienna Travel Guide

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A Baroque masterpiece in Vienna's heart, commemorating the city's triumph over plague and adversity on the vibrant Graben street.

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Column of Pest

The Column of Pest, also known as the Plague Column or Trinity Column, is a prominent Baroque monument on the Graben in Vienna's Innere Stadt. Erected after the Great Plague epidemic of 1679, it stands as a symbol of the city's survival and resilience in the face of adversity.

A brief summary to Column of Pest

Graben 28, Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Column of Pest.

Visit during Advent when the Graben is adorned with giant chandeliers, creating a magical atmosphere.
Take time to observe the intricate details and symbolic meaning of the sculptures on the column.
Explore the Graben's surrounding streets for traditional shops, coffee houses, and restaurants.

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Getting There

Walking

The Column of Pest is centrally located on the Graben in Vienna's Innere Stadt, making it easily accessible on foot. From Stephansplatz, walk west along the Graben. The column is situated in the middle of the street, a short walk from St. Stephen's Cathedral. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

The closest metro station is Stephansplatz, served by lines U1 and U3. From the station, take the Graben exit and walk a short distance to the column. A single public transport ticket costs €2.40. Tickets can be purchased at the station from ticket machines or in advance.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off near the Graben. Be aware that the Graben is a pedestrian zone, so the closest drop-off point would be on a nearby street such as Kärntner Straße or Kohlmarkt. From there, it is a short walk to the Column of Pest. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between €10 and €20. The base fare for a taxi in Vienna is around €3.80 to €5.0 EUR, with per kilometer charges ranging from €1.40.

Discover more about Column of Pest

The Column of Pest, also called the Trinity Column (German: Dreifaltigkeitssäule), is located on the Graben, a well-known street in the heart of Vienna. This Baroque memorial was erected following the Great Plague epidemic in 1679, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Viennese citizens. Emperor Leopold I vowed to erect a mercy column if the city was spared from further devastation.The first column, a provisional wooden structure, was inaugurated in 1679. It featured the Holy Trinity on a Corinthian column, accompanied by nine sculpted angels. In 1683, Matthias Rauchmiller was commissioned to create a permanent design. Although Rauchmiller died in 1686, his basic concept and three angel figures are still part of the monument. The column was finally inaugurated in 1694.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 column has three levels: the pedestal, representing mankind, with Leopold I praying; a middle zone with angels mediating between God and mankind; and the top, featuring the Holy Trinity.The Pestsäule is more than a historical monument; it represents human endurance, artistic expression, and gratitude for divine intervention. Today, the column serves as a reminder of Vienna's past and its ability to overcome difficult times.