Rahlstiege

The Rahlstiege is a historic flight of steps in Vienna's Mariahilf district, linking Rahlgasse with Mariahilfer Straße and overcoming a height difference of roughly 6.5 meters. Its history goes back to the 18th century, when a staircase already stood on this spot. After the city walls were torn down and the east side was built up, the grand open staircase you see today was completed in 1870. It is named after the painter Carl Rahl, who also gave Rahlgasse its name in 1866. Today you'll find a protected historic landmark, enhanced by the Gänsemädchenbrunnen (Goose Girl Fountain) by Anton Paul Wagner, installed in 1886, and the Gerngross Column by Franz West, unveiled in 2007 at the foot of the steps.