Austria Vienna Vienna Tourist attractions

Graben

About

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.

Vienna Austria

Location

Graben is a prominent pedestrian street located in the heart of Vienna’s historic first district, running from Stock-im-Eisen-Platz near Kärntner Straße to the junction with Kohlmarkt and Tuchlauben. It is a key part of Vienna’s central shopping area, lined with upscale boutiques, luxury stores, and elegant cafes, including the famous Demel pastry shop. The street is renowned for its rich architectural diversity, featuring Baroque landmarks like the Palais Bartolotti-Partenfeld and Jugendstil buildings such as Otto Wagner’s Ankerhaus, alongside modernist facades by architects like Adolf Loos. At its center stands the striking Plague Column (Pestsäule), a Baroque monument commemorating the end of the 1679 plague, surrounded by two historic fountains dedicated to saints Joseph and Leopold. Nearby attractions include the Stock im Eisen, a medieval tree trunk embedded with nails for good luck, and the adjoining Kohlmarkt street, known for its exclusive shops and proximity to the Hofburg Palace. The area is well connected to other major sites like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Spanish Riding School, and the Naschmarkt, making Graben a vibrant cultural and commercial hub in Vienna’s city center