Vienna - Stock-im-Eisen-Platz (Square)

Stock-im-Eisen-Platz is a square next to Stephansplatz and leading directly into Kärnter Strasse. It takes its curious name from a tree trunk into which many nails have been hammered and which stands in a niche of house No. 3/4, at the corner of Graben and Kärnter Strasse. There is evidence that the tree trunk has been here since 1533. According to legend, every locksmith's apprentice who came to Vienna in the course of his wanderings had to hammer a nail into the tree trunk. Visitors are recommended to view the charming stairway and beautiful inner courtyard of the "Equitable" house at No. 3. On the site of No. 6, directly opposite the west door of the cathedral, can be seen an ultra modern, futuristic building by the Viennese architect Hans Hollein. It is a shopping mall modeled on that of Horton Plaza in San Diego, USA. Behind the cool and elegant facades of shimmering green quarzite and marble with a round oriel window can be found five floors of exclusive designer boutiques and specialist shops, Vienna's largest hi-fi and video shop, offices and banks and a "Gourmet Story" owned by Do & Co, and aimed at a discerning clientele. From the roof terrace of the cafe restaurant a view of Stephansdom, Graben and Kärnter Strasse can be enjoyed.