Have you heard of the Basilisk of Vienna?
Legends are often shrouded in mystery, full of vague details and missing pieces. But not in Vienna. Here, even the strangest stories come with an address, a date, and almost an exact time. The Basilisk of Vienna, one of the city’s most famous legends, is said to have appeared on June 12, 1212, at Schönlaterngasse 7, leaving behind a tale that still fascinates visitors today.
According to legend, the people of this quiet street lived in fear of a monstrous creature hiding in a well—the Basilisk of Vienna, a beast so deadly that a single glance could turn a person to stone. Panic spread, and no on
e dared to approach. That is, until a young apprentice baker stepped forward. Armed with nothing but a mirror and his wits, he faced the monster in a way no one had before. As the Basilisk of Vienna caught sight of its own reflection, its own deadly gaze was its downfall. The city was safe once more.
Today, the facade of Schönlaterngasse 7 preserves the memory of this tale with a 1577-style inscription and a carving of the Basilisk of Vienna itself. It’s a reminder that even the darkest legends have their heroes—and sometimes, all it takes to defeat a monster is a little clever thinking.
But what exactly is a basilisk? A mythical serpent, a dragon-like terror, or something else entirely? The Basilisk of Vienna is just one version of a creature that has fascinated storytellers for centuries, and its origins stretch far beyond this city. Stay tuned—we’ll reveal more about this legendary beast in our future blog posts.
In the meantime, do you want to uncover more secrets of Vienna’s mysterious past?
Then join us on our Secrets in the Heart of Vienna tour, where legends come to life.
