About Pestsäule: A Symbol of Hope in the Heart of Vienna
The Pestsäule, or Plague Column, located in Vienna’s Graben, commemorates the end of the Great Plague of 1679. Built on the promise made by Emperor Leopold I, this Baroque monument symbolizes Vienna’s resilience during a devastating time. Initially intended to be a simple obelisk, the design grew more elaborate over time, transforming into a masterpiece of High Baroque art. Several prominent artists, including Matthias Rauchmiller and Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, contributed to its creation.
The column features a striking depiction of the Holy Trinity at its top, with angels, saints, and cherubs ascending toward the heavens. The lower part contrasts this with somber representations of plague victims, while Leopold I is portrayed in prayer, asking for divine intervention. The Pestsäule serves as a religious monument and a political statement, emphasizing Leopold’s role as a divinely chosen leader.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pestsäule became an unofficial site for small acts of remembrance and solidarity. Locals placed candles at the base of the column, turning it into a quiet memorial for those affected by the virus. Some left drawings and notes, offering messages of hope, gratitude to healthcare workers, or remembrance for loved ones lost during the pandemic.
The Pestsäule, already a symbol of survival from a past plague, became a focal point for people looking to express their emotions during an unprecedented time.
