Graben

Graben is one of Vienna’s most famous and elegant pedestrian streets, rich in history and architectural splendor. Originally a Roman-era ditch, it was transformed into a central thoroughfare in the 12th century and later became a fashionable promenade for Vienna’s aristocracy. The street is dominated by the striking Baroque Plague Column (Pestsäule), erected between 1682 and 1692 to commemorate the end of the devastating 1679 plague epidemic. This ornate monument, with its allegorical figures symbolizing faith overcoming the plague, is a major highlight. Along Graben, visitors can admire a variety of architectural styles, including Baroque palaces like the Bartolotti-Partenfeld, Jugendstil buildings such as the Ankerhaus designed by Otto Wagner, and modernist facades by architects like Adolf Loos and Hans Hollein. The street is also home to two historic fountains, the Josefsbrunnen and Leopoldsbrunnen, dedicated to saints Joseph and Leopold. Graben is a premier shopping destination featuring luxury boutiques, traditional Viennese shops, and renowned cafes like Demel. Its central location connects to other key pedestrian streets like Kärntner Straße and Kohlmarkt, making it a vibrant hub of culture, history, and upscale shopping in Vienna’s city center.