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The Column of Pest: A Baroque Masterpiece

A stunning Baroque monument in Vienna's Graben, commemorating the end of the Great Plague and the city's resilience.

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The Column of Pest, also known as the Trinity Column, is a prominent Baroque monument in Vienna's Graben, erected in 1693. Commissioned by Emperor Leopold I after the Great Plague epidemic of 1679, it stands as a symbol of gratitude and resilience. The column's intricate design and rich symbolism make it a must-see landmark in the city's historic center.

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Local tips

  • Take your time to observe the intricate details and symbolism of the column, including the figures of angels, saints, and Emperor Leopold I.
  • Visit the column during the day to fully appreciate the golden Holy Trinity at the top.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll along the Graben, a vibrant pedestrian street with shops and cafes.
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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 St. Stephen's Cathedral, walk west along the Graben. The column is prominently situated in the middle of the street. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the U1 or U3 subway line to Stephansplatz station. Exit the station towards Graben and walk along the Graben. The Column of Pest will be visible in the pedestrian area. A single ticket for public transport in Vienna costs around €2.40.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Vienna. Ask your driver to take you to the Graben in the Innere Stadt. The Column of Pest is a well-known landmark and easily accessible by taxi. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs between €10 and €20.

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Discover more about Column of Pest

The Column of Pest, or Pestsäule, is one of Vienna's most striking Baroque monuments, located on the Graben, a famous pedestrian street in the inner city. Also known as the Trinity Column (Dreifaltigkeitssäule), it was erected following the Great Plague epidemic of 1679. Emperor Leopold I commissioned the column as a gesture of gratitude after the plague subsided. The column's design is a dramatic composition of swirling clouds, angels, and saints, crowned by a golden Holy Trinity. At the base, a relief depicts Leopold I kneeling in prayer. The monument's complex iconography conveys that the plague and the Ottoman siege of 1683 were punishments for sin, averted by Leopold I's piety. The column has three stages: the pedestal, the area with angels, and the Holy Trinity at the top. The first wooden column was built in 1679, and the current column was inaugurated in 1694. The Pestsäule became a model for other plague columns erected across Habsburg-ruled lands. The column stands as a testament to human endurance, artistic expression, and gratitude towards divine intervention.

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