Discover "The Plague Pit": A Deep Dive into Vienna's 1679 Plague Epidemic History

Step back into Vienna's devastating 1679 plague epidemic at Time Travel Vienna. Experience what life was like during this critical period, explore the role of a plague doctor, and learn how even amidst tragedy, humor and song played a part in survival.

The "The plague pit" exhibition at Time Travel Vienna immerses visitors in the harrowing reality of Vienna's last great plague epidemic in 1679. This experience allows visitors to understand the historical context of the plague, its impact on daily life, and the rudimentary medical practices of the time, including the role of the distinctive "beak doctors." The narrative highlights the story of Augustin, a street musician who famously survived being thrown into a plague pit, demonstrating how humor and song, like his popular tune "Oh you dear Augustin," could persist even in the face of death. The exhibition provides insight into the era's social structures, living conditions, and the constant threat of disease, while also touching upon the eventual containment of the plague through better hygiene and medical understanding. It emphasizes that while the plague has been largely controlled in Europe, it remains a historical and present-day concern worldwide.

Visitors can purchase tickets for Time Travel Vienna, which includes this exhibition, via the provided link.