Graben Street

The Graben

The Vienna audio-guided tour takes you up the luxurious pedestrian street Graben. Elegant and refined, lined with fine shops, ice-cream parlours and cafes set in historic buildings, it is the main shopping artery of the Austrian capital.

From ancient Rome to luxury

The street's history goes back to Roman times, when the camp of Vindobona was established on the site. The camp enclosure was surrounded by a ditch, filled in the 12th century during the city's expansion: thus was born the Graben, which became the main artery of the new city. In the Renaissance, the facades were adorned with Baroque elements; the market settled there in 1753, the Christmas market in 1772, then the luxury brands in the 19th century. In 1974, the Graben became Vienna's first pedestrian street.

What there is to see

At the centre of the street stands the famous Plague Column, pledged in 1679 by Emperor Leopold I after the epidemic that ravaged the city. All around, the Baroque facades, luxury shops and cafes make the Graben a favourite place for strolling and window-shopping, in the heart of the Viennese centre.

Practical information

The Graben is freely walkable on foot, in the historic centre, between St Stephen's Cathedral and Kohlmarkt street. A pedestrian street, it is accessible at any time; the shops and cafes follow their own hours. The Christmas market and seasonal events take place there depending on the period.

What does the column on the Graben represent ?

It is the Plague Column, pledged in 1679 by Emperor Leopold I after the epidemic that struck Vienna.

Where does the name Graben come from ?

The word evokes the former ditch of the Roman camp of Vindobona, filled in the 12th century to create this artery.