Blutgassenviertel, or “Blood Alley Quarter,” is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Vienna, originally founded around the mid-14th century. Throughout its history, the alley was known by many names such as Kotgässel, Kergässel, Blutgasse, and Milchgasse. The current name, which was officially adopted in 1862, was first recorded in 1547, though its origin remains unclear. Inspired by its sinister sound, a few local legends have attempted to give it an explanation.

The most popular story is that, following the dissolution of the Order of the Temple in the 14th century, a group of Knights Templar found a hiding place in one of the houses in the alley, but were caught by the authorities and slaughtered. Their blood ran down the cobblestones and that, the legend claims, is how the alley got its name.

Some may also argue that it was not the Templars but general criminals who were executed or dismembered in the neighborhood. More plausibly, another theory has it that the name derives from the blood that flowed down the gutter from a slaughterhouse.

As expected, the gory name has inspired a number of local ghost stories, giving the street a haunted impression. Whatever the case may be, the street sits silently and appears peaceful to those who are unaware of its name (during the day, at the very least).