Vienna City Hall

The Vienna City Hall is one of the best-known secular buildings in the capital of Austria and is situated among other magnificent palaces in the lavish Ringstraße, close to the Parliament. It was built in neo-Gothic style according to plans designed by Friedrich von Schmidt between 1872 and 1883. Today, it is the official seat of the Mayor and the Municipal Council. The central tower of the Vienna City Hall is almost 98-metre high, including the iron statue on top called the “Rathausmann”, one of the symbols of the city. The building is so large that there are seven inner courtyards. Visitors can drop by to the Baroque underground Wiener Rathauskeller restaurant that offers traditional Viennese cuisine. In front of the City Hall is an open space with the Rathauspark, where various markets and concerts take place. Every year on 23 December, the famous Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) is held there. From January to March, the area transforms into a huge outdoor skate rink (9000 m²) with many paths meandering also through the park. There is also a skate rental, stalls with refreshments and lockers. The Music Film Festival takes place in front of the Vienna City Hall in the summer (end of June – beginning of September). The illuminated façade of the City Hall adds to the atmosphere.