Austrian Parliament Building

Vienna, Austria

The Austrian Parliament Building in Vienna is where the two houses of the Austrian Parliament conduct their sessions. The foundation stone was laid in 1874 and the building was completed in 1883. The architect responsible for its Greek Revival style was Theophil Hansen. He designed the building holistically, aiming to have each element harmonizing with all the others. He was therefore also responsible for the interior decoration, such as statues, paintings, furniture, chandeliers, and numerous other elements. Hansen was honored by Emperor Franz Joseph with the title of Freiherr (Baron) after its completion. Following heavy damage and destruction in World War II, most of the interior has been restored to its original splendour.

The parliament building covers over 13,500 square meters, making it one of the largest structures on Ringstraße. It contains over one hundred rooms, the most important of which are the Chambers of the National Council, the Federal Council, and the former Imperial House of Representatives (Abgeordnetenhaus). The building also includes committee rooms, libraries, lobbies, dining rooms, bars and gymnasiums. One of the building's most famous features is the Pallas Athena fountain in front of the main entrance, built by Hansen from 1898 to 1902 and a notable Viennese tourist attraction.

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Founded: 1874-1883
Category: Palaces, manors and town halls in Austria

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Bobby C (5 months ago)
A beautiful neoclassical building. It is surprisingly accessible for a government operation. You can climb stairs and go up to pretty much the front door of the place. There are free tours of the interior available as well. Nice!
Dean Martelozzo (6 months ago)
Lovely looking building from the outside. Wheelchair accessible (you won’t be able to get to the very top for the entrance due to stairs), but you can see everything that you need to after you push up the hill. Worth a look on the way past, but I wouldn’t be travelling to Vienna just to see it
Ralitsa Georgieva (8 months ago)
Magnificent building inside and out! Make sure to book the free tour in advance. The tour itself was around an hour, after that you can walk around the designated areas in the building. Big thumbs up for our tour guide Stefan, who made our visit super interesting with his facts and humor! Great experience, would visit again!
Johan Björefeldt (8 months ago)
Magnificent building inside and out. This was meant to be Parliament for the whole Austrio-Hungarian Empire, and it has the power and splendor to back it up. The great statue of Athena, with her gilded crest shining in the sunlight and the flag of Austria caught in the wind above her, is an imposing sight as you enter. Inside, there is a treasure trove of information to enjoy in the big visitor's area. The tour was also terrific, going over the history of the building, the country, and much of the legislative process that takes place in Parliament. It takes you through the old Parliament chamber and both chambers in use today. If you're in Vienna, you must visit!
Anatori Sealife (9 months ago)
The exterior of the Austrian Parliament is a magnificent testament to architectural grandeur and artistic craftsmanship. The building is adorned with stunning ornamentation that captures the eye with its intricate details and elegant design. Marble statues grace the facade, each one a masterpiece in its own right, adding to the overall splendor of the structure. The Parliament building's monumental presence is undeniable. Its grandiose scale and classical style evoke a sense of awe and respect, fitting for a site of such political and historical significance. The design seamlessly blends aesthetic beauty with a commanding presence, making it a true landmark in Vienna. Standing on the steps of this palace, one is treated to a breathtaking view. The sight extends across the city, offering a panoramic vista that is both picturesque and inspiring. The combination of the Parliament's architectural beauty and the stunning views from its steps makes it a must-see for anyone visiting the Austrian capital.
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