Vienna Town Hall Rathaus

The Town Hall is an impressive Neo-Gothic building, the seat of the Vienna City and Provincial Assembly, and is the administrative center of the city. The huge building, occupying nearly 14,000sq.m/17,000sq.yd of the former Parade Ground, was erected in 1872-83 during Franz Joseph's reign by Friedrich von Schmidt, who was also responsible for the decoration and furnishings.

Must-see attractions nearby:

St Stephen's Cathedral

Schönbrunn Palace

Belvedere Palaces (Austrian Galleries)

Imperial Palace

Karlskirche

Natural History Museum

Vienna State Opera

The symbol of the Town Hall is the "Rathausmann" on the top of the 98m/320ft high tower. This banner-carrying iron figure is 3·40m/11ft tall (6m/20ft including the raised banner) and weighs 1,800kg/4,000lb; it was the work of Alexander Nehr and was a gift from the master locksmith, Wilhelm Ludwig. The arcaded courtyard in the center of the building is the largest of the seven courtyards. Originally intended for assemblies, it is now the scene of the popular summer concerts. The tour of the Rathaus interior begins in the Schmidthalle, the former "Community Vestibule" into which carriages could once drive.

Address: Neues Rathaus Tourist Office, Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz, Wien , Austria

Hours:

am-am; Closed: Sun, Sat

Tips: Guided tours: Mon, Wed, Fri - 1:30 p.m., except on public holidays and session days. Guided tours for groups only by prior arrangement, one month in advance. Tours open except when Assembly is in session.

Disability Access: Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.

Guides: Guided tour included with admission.

Transit: U-Bahn: Rathaus (U1); Tram: 1, 2, D.