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The Plague Column: A Symbol of Resilience

A Baroque masterpiece in Vienna's Graben, commemorating the city's resilience after the Great Plague and a symbol of faith and triumph.

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The Plague Column, also known as the Pestsäule or Trinity Column, is a prominent Baroque monument on Graben street in Vienna's Innere Stadt. Erected after the Great Plague epidemic of 1679, it commemorates the city's survival and serves as a reminder of faith and resilience.

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Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate details and stunning architecture of the column.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the Graben and explore nearby Stephansplatz and St. Stephen's Cathedral.
  • Take time to observe the intricate details of the sculptures and learn about the column's historical and religious significance.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Plague Column is located on Graben in Vienna's Innere Stadt and is easily accessible by public transport. Take the U1 or U3 subway line to Stephansplatz station. The column is a short walk from the station exit. Alternatively, take bus lines 1A, 2A, or 3A to the Graben/Petersplatz stop, which is right next to the column. A single ticket for public transport within Vienna costs €2.40.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Innere Stadt, walking to the Plague Column is a pleasant option. From Stephansplatz, simply walk west along the Graben. The column is located in the middle of the street, a few minutes' walk from the cathedral. From the Hofburg Palace, walk east along Kohlmarkt, which turns into the Graben. The column will be on your right.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Vienna. A short ride within the Innere Stadt to the Graben should cost approximately €8-€12, depending on the distance and traffic.

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The Plague Column, officially named the Holy Trinity Column (Dreifaltigkeitssäule), stands as a towering testament to faith and resilience in Vienna's Graben. This elaborate Baroque monument was commissioned by Emperor Leopold I as an act of gratitude following the Great Plague epidemic that devastated Vienna in 1679. The plague claimed the lives of tens of thousands of citizens, approximately half of the city's inhabitants. Fleeing the city, Emperor Leopold I vowed to erect a mercy column if the epidemic ended. A provisional wooden column was quickly erected in 1679, but the permanent monument took several decades to complete, with contributions from various artists. The final design is a dramatic composition of swirling clouds, angels, and saints, crowned by a golden Holy Trinity. A relief at the base depicts Leopold I kneeling in prayer. The column's design evolved from a conservative memorial to a High Baroque scene, narrating a story in theatrical form. The monument subtly reinforces the Habsburg dynasty's power and legitimacy, with Leopold I credited with saving Vienna from both the plague and the Ottoman siege of 1683. The Plague Column served as a model for similar columns erected throughout the Habsburg Empire and Central Europe. Today, the Plague Column remains a prominent landmark, attracting visitors who come to admire its artistic beauty and learn about its historical significance.

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