Plague Column Pestsäule
A stunning Baroque column commemorating Vienna's deliverance from the plague, a symbol of resilience and art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Plague Column Pestsäule
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Baroque column commemorating Vienna's deliverance from the plague, a symbol of resilience and art.
"An impressive and beautifully carved column that commemorates the victims of the plague."
📸 Capture the Details
Look up! The top sculptures are stunning, especially when illuminated at night.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Graben
The column is on a main pedestrian street, perfect for combining with shopping.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Holy Trinity Sculpture
Top of the column
A breathtaking Baroque masterpiece symbolizing Vienna's deliverance from the plague.
Intricate Baroque Details
Column shaft and base
Marvel at the detailed carvings telling the story of the plague and the city's recovery.
Graben Street Location
Graben Street, Vienna
Experience this monument amidst luxury boutiques and bustling city life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Appreciating the Artistry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Look up! The top sculptures are stunning, especially when illuminated at night.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Graben
The column is on a main pedestrian street, perfect for combining with shopping.
❄️ Winter Charm
Snowfall adds a magical, enchanting layer to the monument.
💡 Nighttime Glow
Beautifully lit at night, offering a different perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Look up! The top sculptures are stunning, especially when illuminated at night.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Graben
The column is on a main pedestrian street, perfect for combining with shopping.
❄️ Winter Charm
Snowfall adds a magical, enchanting layer to the monument.
💡 Nighttime Glow
Beautifully lit at night, offering a different perspective.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Plague Column as an impressive and historically significant landmark in Vienna's city center. Its intricate Baroque artistry and symbolic representation of resilience are highlighted as major draws. While the busy Graben street can be crowded, the monument's beauty, especially when illuminated at night, makes it a memorable sight.
"It
is one of the most impressive landmarks in Vienna’s city center. Located on Graben Street, it combines history, religion, and art in a single monument. The detailed Baroque sculptures tell the story of Vienna’s recovery from the terrible plague of 1679. Both during the day and beautifully illuminated at night, it is a must-see attraction for anyone exploring the city."
Engin Tuncay
"A large Baroque monument located on the pedestrian street Graben in the heart of Vienna.
It was built as a memorial and thanksgiving for the end of a devastating plague epidemic that hit Vienna in 1679.
It stands as a symbol of hope, survival, and faith. It commemorates the city’s escape from devastating plague. It also reflects the mindset of the times: a blend of religion, politics, and memory, showing how people sought divine protection and public thanksgiving after crisis.
The design layers:
- mankind (at the base)
- angels (in the middle)
- the Holy Trinity (at the top)
represent a spiritual hierarchy and a link between earth and heaven.
The Column of Pest is an impressive historic statue. Beautifully detailed and a nice spot to admire while exploring the area."
J. Lepianda
"This monument was commissioned by Emperor Leopold I after the devastating plague epidemic of 1679. Construction began soon afterward, the monument was formally consecrated in 1693. Originally conceived in a Gothic style, the final design evolved into a dramatic High Baroque masterpiece rich in symbolism. At the top stands the Holy Trinity, representing divine deliverance. The central section depicts the realm of angels, who act as mediators between God and humanity. In the lower upper section, Emperor Leopold I is shown kneeling in prayer, imploring God for mercy on behalf of the city. The column as a whole symbolizes faith, repentance, and Vienna’s gratitude for survival."
Seokjin Ham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Plague Column (Pestsäule) is centrally located on Graben Street, a major pedestrian thoroughfare in Vienna's first district. It's easily accessible on foot from Stephansplatz (St. Stephen's Cathedral) and is well-served by public transport. Tram lines 1, 2, D, and 71 stop nearby, as do U-Bahn lines U1 and U3 at Stephansplatz station.
Absolutely! The Pestsäule is impossible to miss as it stands prominently in the middle of Graben, one of Vienna's most famous and busiest shopping streets. You'll likely pass it multiple times while exploring the city center.
Driving directly to the Plague Column is not recommended as Graben is a pedestrian zone. However, there are several underground parking garages within walking distance, such as the Graben Parkgarage or the Freyung Parkgarage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Plague Column is an outdoor monument located in a public square. You can view and admire it at any time without needing a ticket or admission fee.
As an outdoor monument, the Plague Column is accessible 24/7. However, its beauty is often best appreciated during daylight hours or when it's illuminated at night.
There is no entrance fee to see the Plague Column. It's a free public landmark for everyone to enjoy.
📸 📸 Photography
For fewer crowds and softer light, aim for early morning. For dramatic shots, photograph it at night when it's beautifully illuminated.
Try capturing the full height of the column from a distance on Graben, or get closer to focus on the intricate details of the sculptures. The surrounding architecture also provides a great backdrop.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
The Plague Column (Pestsäule) was erected in 1679 to commemorate Vienna's deliverance from the Great Plague. It's a symbol of gratitude, faith, and resilience.
The column was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and Leopold Ignaz von Beckh, with sculptures by Matthias Rauchmüller and Tobias Kracker.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a stop at a nearby cafe for a treat or explore the surrounding shops. The open space on Graben allows children to move around without the immediate danger of traffic, making it a relatively stress-free stop during a family outing in Vienna.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different times of day: early morning for soft light and fewer people, or evening for the dramatic effect of the illumination. Consider wide-angle shots to capture the column in its urban context, or telephoto lenses to focus on the exquisite sculptural details.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take time to study the iconography and understand the narrative depicted in the sculptures. It offers a tangible connection to the past and a deeper appreciation for the city's historical resilience and cultural heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Pestsäule
The column's design is a dramatic narrative in stone. At its apex, the Holy Trinity is depicted, symbolizing divine intervention. Surrounding the base and shaft are intricate sculptures illustrating the horrors of the plague, the suffering of the people, and the eventual triumph over the disease. This detailed artistry invites viewers to reflect on the historical event and the enduring human spirit.
Today, the Pestsäule remains a central landmark on the elegant Graben street, a busy pedestrian zone lined with luxury shops and cafes. It serves as a constant reminder of Vienna's past while also being an integral part of the city's vibrant present. Whether viewed in the daylight or beautifully illuminated at night, it's a must-see for anyone interested in Viennese history and art.
Experiencing the Graben
Visitors often find themselves drawn to the column as they explore the street, which also leads towards other key attractions like Stephansplatz. The area around the Pestsäule is typically bustling with shoppers, tourists, and locals enjoying the ambiance. It's a perfect spot to pause, admire the monument, and soak in the vibrant energy of Vienna's city center.
For photographers, Graben provides a dynamic backdrop for the Plague Column. The street's architecture, the flow of people, and the column itself create numerous visual opportunities. Experiencing Graben, especially with the Pestsäule as a focal point, is an essential part of any visit to Vienna.
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