Vienna’s Ringstraße is full of stately19th-century structures, but the Austrian Parliament Building is one of thegrandest of all. While the building was designed at the end of the 19thcentury, it was built in the style of ancient Greece. Accordingly, marblestatues and imposing pillars mark the building’s façade, and the halls andchambers inside are lined with many classical elements as well.
As you walk up to the building, inspectits intricate exterior. Over 100 sculptures are arrayed along the front of thebuilding alone. These include a collection of figures grouped around the PallasAthena fountain, which was designed by the building’s architect Baron TheophilHansen. Here, a gold-decorated Athena stands atop a pillar above other statuesrepresenting the various areas that historically belonged to the Austro-HungarianEmpire. Return by night to see the building’s statues and its colonnadeimpressively illuminated.
Explore the interior of the ParliamentBuilding on a guided tour. See highlights like the Imperial House ofRepresentatives, patterned after a Greek theatre, and the Hall of Pillars,where dark-brown columns surround a massive skylight. Peek into the building’svarious bars and libraries as well.
Keep in mind that the AustrianParliament Building is the functional headquarters of Austria’s legislature, somuch of the building is often closed to visitors. If you visit on a day whenParliament is in session, head to the visitor centre, where you can learn aboutthe structure of Austria’s government via a small exhibition.
Walk, bus or take a tram along Vienna’sRingstraße to find the Austrian Parliament Building, which is located along thewestern portion of the street. Visit any day of the week except Sunday to joinup with one of the guided tours, which run throughout the day.
