Graben Street, Vienna

The Graben, a vibrant, central thoroughfare in Vienna, originated from the old Roman encampment of Vindobona. For a long time, it was marked by a ditch (“graben” in German) in front of the city walls. In the 12th century, the ditch was filled in and the area transformed into a residential street with the expansion of the city by the Babenberg Dukes, funded by ransom from Richard the Lionheart. This expansion also retained the street's name due to the large, undeveloped areas nearby.

The city's planned extension during the Middle Ages found reflection in the differing building patterns on either side of the Graben. While the north side remained irregular with limited access, the south side developed five regular side streets, changing the landscape over time. The Graben's evolution continued as it became Vienna's main arterial road.

The Baroque Era saw the Graben's further transformation into a fashionable promenade, with significant buildings like the Arkadenhof marking its status. The 18th century brought regulations that emphasized its role as a market and social space, attracting not only the nobility but also entrepreneurs and other city elite. The 19th century made it a hub for luxury shops and eventually a key pedestrian zone by the mid-20th century.

You can start your journey at Stock-im-Eisen-Platz and make your way to the opposite end, Tuchlauben, while passing by some remarkable historic buildings. Among these are the Ankerhaus, once the residence of Otto Wagner, and the Palais Bartolotti-Partenfeld, a beloved summer residence of the renowned Baron family, to name just a few.

During your stroll, be sure to visit the Generalihof, which once served as the headquarters of the "Music Magazine" (Musikalisches Magazin), established in 1784 and responsible for the initial publication of some of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's works. As you continue down the street, you'll come across the Grabenhof, an iconic building erected in 1876 on the site of the historical Arkadenhaus, which existed since the late 16th century. Your exploration of the Graben wouldn't be complete without a visit to the ERSTE Foundation building, home to Austria's largest savings bank's headquarters (Erste Österreichische Spar Casse).

Also, don't miss the Plague Column (die Wiener Pestsäule), otherwise known as the Holy Trinity Column (Dreifaltigkeitssäule), erected by Emperor Leopold I following the Great Plague of Vienna in 1679.