Rathaus (City Hall), Vienna (must see)

The Vienna City Hall (Wiener Rathaus) is the heart of local governance, hosting both the municipal government and legislative assembly (Landtag). Constructed between 1872 and 1883, this impressive complex was designed by architect Friedrich von Schmidt, whose statue is found right behind the building in the square bearing his name (Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz).

The City Hall features a neo-Gothic architectural style drawn from medieval Flemish and Brabant influences. Its exterior is marked by five towers, with the central one reaching up to 98 meters, topped by the "City Hall Man" (Rathausmann), a significant symbol of Vienna. Installed in 1882, the statue is clad in armor modeled after that of Emperor Maximilian I.

Apart from its architectural beauty, the City Hall also stands out for its functional spaces like the "City Hall Cellar" (Wiener Rathauskeller) restaurant offering traditional Viennese cuisine within a baroque setting. The building's facade is adorned with numerous sculptures and reliefs, including depictions of historical figures like Emperor Franz Joseph I, and statues symbolizing Power and Justice. Additional decorative elements include a representation of Vindobona, the allegorical figure of Vienna, surrounded by various historical and heraldic statues that signify the city's heritage and administrative significance.

On the sides, there are statues representing various professions, emphasizing the diversity of trades and crafts significant to Vienna's cultural and economic life.

Those willing to climb 331 steps to the top of the central tower are going to be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

Tip:
There is a free guided German-language tour every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 1 pm.
They also provide audio guide devices in a number of other languages, for which you'll need to give up your passport as a deposit.