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Mariensäule: A Symbol of Gratitude in Vienna

A historic Marian column in Vienna's Am Hof square, commemorating the city's deliverance from invasion and a testament to Viennese faith and resilience.

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The Mariensäule, or Marian Column, stands prominently on Am Hof square in Vienna, a testament to faith and resilience. Erected in the 17th century, it commemorates the city's deliverance from Swedish forces during the Thirty Years' War and features a striking bronze statue of the Virgin Mary atop a column adorned with symbolic figures.

A brief summary to Mariensäule

  • Am Hof, Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT

Local tips

  • Visit during the Christmas or Easter markets for a festive atmosphere and unique local crafts.
  • Take a moment to observe the intricate details of the bronze sculptures and their symbolic representations.
  • Explore the surrounding Am Hof square, with its historic buildings and vibrant atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Mariensäule is located in the center of Am Hof square in Vienna's Innere Stadt (1st district). From Stephansplatz, walk northwest along Graben, then turn left onto নাগ নাগ Kohlmarkt. Continue straight, crossing Heidenschuss, and you'll enter Am Hof square. The Mariensäule will be directly in front of you. This walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    The closest U-Bahn (subway) stations are Herrengasse (U3) and Stephansplatz (U1, U3). From Herrengasse, walk northeast on Herrengasse, turn right onto Fahnengasse, then turn left into Am Hof square. From Stephansplatz, follow the walking directions. Several bus lines also stop near Am Hof, including 1A, 2A and 3A. A single public transport ticket costs €2.40.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Vienna. A short taxi ride to Am Hof from a nearby location in the Innere Stadt, such as the Vienna State Opera, will typically cost between €8 and €20, plus a base fare. Taxi fares are calculated based on distance and time. The base fare is around €3.80-€4.30, with per kilometer charges varying.

  • Parking

    If driving, consider parking at Garage Am Hof, located directly on the square. Hourly rates are approximately €4.90, with a daily maximum of €49.90. Other nearby parking garages include Garage Hoher Markt and Kärntnerstraße Tiefgarage. Parking availability can be limited, especially during peak tourist season and market events.

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Discover more about Mariensäule

The Mariensäule, located on the historic Am Hof square in Vienna, is more than just a monument; it's a symbol of gratitude and a reminder of the city's enduring spirit. The column's origins trace back to 1645, during the final phase of the Thirty Years' War, when Vienna faced the threat of a Swedish invasion. Emperor Ferdinand III, in a moment of desperation, appealed for divine intervention, promising to erect a monument in honor of the Virgin Mary if the city was spared. Fortunately for Vienna, the Swedish army turned away, and Ferdinand III kept his word, commissioning a marble column by Johann Jakob Pock, unveiled in 1647. However, the original marble structure was replaced in 1667 by a bronze version under Emperor Leopold I. The original marble column was gifted to Count Georg Ludwig von Sinzendorf and can still be seen near Wernstein am Inn in Upper Austria. The bronze Mariensäule that stands today features the Virgin Mary atop a column, standing over a speared dragon. Around the base, four Putti (cherubs) vanquish a snake, basilisk, lion, and another dragon, representing heresy, plague, war, and famine respectively. While its religious significance may have faded somewhat over time, the Mariensäule remains a beloved landmark for the Viennese. It often serves as a centerpiece for events like the Am Hof Christmas and Easter markets. The Mariensäule even has a quirky claim to fame: it's famously missing from a scene in the classic film, *The Third Man*. Am Hof square itself boasts a rich history, once part of the Roman military camp of Vindobona and later the residence of Duke Heinrich II Jasomirgott in the 12th century. Today, the square is surrounded by notable buildings, including the Kirche am Hof (church), and continues its tradition as a marketplace with its seasonal markets.

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