Fillgraderstiege

The Fillgraderstiege is a historic staircase in Vienna's Mariahilf district that connects Fillgradergasse with Theobaldgasse. Built between 1905 and 1907 to designs by architect Max Hegele, it is a fine example of Viennese Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) and bridges the difference in elevation between the Wien River and Mariahilfer Straße. It is named after Marie Anna Fillgrader, a charitable bell founder's widow. After a comprehensive renovation in the early 1980s, during which the Art Nouveau elements were restored, the complex at times housed a stand-up café with a gallery. In 2004, an international jury ranked the landmark-protected staircase the fourth most beautiful staircase in Europe.