Take an hour in your Vienna itinerary to admire the architectural styles of the Austrian Parliament Building. As one of the most imposing buildings on the Ringstraße, it attracts hundreds of visitors each day. Spot the influences of Greek Revival architecture around its exterior, which was designed by Baron Theophil Hansen. Within the building, columns, statues and grand chambers display some of Austria’s finest interior design.
Outside Parliament, stop by the Pallas Athena fountain. This Hanson-designed feature depicts the goddess Athena as a centre point, surrounded by statues that symbolise Austro-hungarian regions. From the fountain, look to the Parliament building and spot some of over a hundred decorative statues, including four chariots perched on the roof.
A guided tour provides the most informative experience of Parliament Building. Be sure to ask your guide about the designs of the Hall of Pillars, which features 24 thick marble pillars and a polished marble floor. Enjoy the grandiose room that once hosted the Imperial House of Representatives. Its design mimics a 400-seat Greek theatre. Other rooms of interest include the Parliament libraries, bars and the Chamber of the National Council. Each piece of furniture and artwork was specifically chosen by Hanson to enhance the overall spirit of the building’s design.
Even when Parliament is in session, tourists can go to the visitors centre and learn about Austria’s system of government from interactive exhibits. When you get hungry, take a seat at the nearby café and look out onto other buildings of the Ringstraße. Walk by the Parliament Building at night for a spectacular photograph of its spotlit facades.
Find the Austrian Parliament Building on the Ringstraße in central Vienna. Get there using nearby bus and tram stops. Tours are run at several times throughout the day and charge a small fee. These tours are held every day except for Sundays.
