About Graben: From Roman Trench to Vienna’s Luxury Boulevard
Graben, one of Vienna’s most well-known streets, carries a history that stretches back to its early Roman origins. The name “Graben,” meaning “ditch” or “trench”, reflects its function during the 1st century AD, when the Romans established Vindobona and dug a defensive trench along the south-western city wall, where Graben now runs.
In the Middle Ages, the trench was filled in, and the area turned into a market. By the 12th century, under the Babenberg rule, it developed into a proper street, bustling with trade as stalls and shops filled the space, drawing merchants and locals.
One of Graben’s most recognisable landmarks, the Pestsäule (Plague Column), began as a temporary wooden monument ordered by Emperor Leopold I during the 1679 plague and was replaced by the ornate Baroque column that still stands today when its marble-and-gilt version was completed in 1694.
During the Baroque period, the street saw modernization, as aristocrats and wealthy merchants built grand townhouses, elevating its status. By the 19th century, it had transformed into a luxury shopping district, with architects combining Baroque and modern styles in its redesign.
Today, Graben is a pedestrian-only street, lined with luxury boutiques, world-class cafés, and historic landmarks. Shopping among elegant boutiques, discovering historic landmarks, or simply savoring its lively ambiance, it reflects Vienna’s deep-rooted heritage.
