Just less than 100 years ago, Austria was part of a large empire. With big changes that came in the 20th century that part of it’s history is easily forgotten. The Parlament building in Vienna is a standing reminder of that time. If you’re interested in politics and history, it is worth a visit when in Vienna. Art and architecture afficionados will also marvel at the Parlament as a heritage site.
And by the way… the spelling I’m using here is correct. We may spell it “parliament” in English, but the letter “i” is not used in the German word, or in the official name of this Austrian building.
Completed in 1883, it was erected during a time when the Austro-Hungarian empire was still a major force in European politics. It was a period of great changes. The building reflects that in its combination of neo-Greek Classical Revival along with many late-19th century touches.
From the street, the Parlament is an imposing view. Its Corinthian columns standing four stories high above a set of steps is an impressive sight. Thanks to changes made just a few years ago, visitors can now enter the building through this route. The old tourist entrance was quite dull. Now, Parlament guests can behold the building with the full effect intended by its architect Baron van Hansen.
Heavily bombed during WWII, the structure has been restored to its former glory. The gable is a particularly interesting. It features symbols of the 17 Kronlander or provinces of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, a reminder of how vast it once was.
The copper roof is decorated with bronze quadrigas (a type of four-horse chariot) at each end. Near the top are over 70 Tyrolian marble statues, more than 40 of which represent various trades and human attributes. The rest feature famous people of those times. The dozens of reliefs that accompany them span the range of public life and represent the diverse nature of the Empire and its inhabitants. Many smaller ones symbolize important cities and rivers.
Bronze statues of horse tamers reside at each side of the ramp leading up to the building. They’re among the few statuary that were not designed by the architect himself. Notable, since the architecture and art of the building was mostly created by him. Many visitors are impressed with the statues by the Athena Fountain in the front.
Completed in 1902 and executed under Hansen’s careful eye by a trio of artists, it’s composed of a heavily decorated water basin and four prostrate figures at Athena’s feet along with the main sculpture of the Greek goddess of wisdom. The figures are symbolic of the four major rivers in Austria and near them are cupids riding dolphins. Athena stands proudly, looking outward away from the building, dressed in armor and carrying Nike, a goddess of Victory, in her right hand.
As a working government building, there are many areas inside that are off-limits to the public. But there are several interior scenes well worth a visit.
The entrance itself is an adaptation of the gate of Erechtheion in the Acropolis in Athens. Just past it, look above, and see niches containing small statues of several major Greek gods. Above them is a frieze over 100 meters (330 feet) wide depicting symbols of patriotism. Inside, close to the entrance leading to the Hall of Pillars is a frieze showing Austria seated on her throne.
The Hall of Pillars (Saulenhalle) itself is 40 meters by 23 meters (about 120 feet by 65 feet) with over 20 Corinthian columns whose caps are gilded with 23 karat gold. Between them a skylight floods the room with brilliant light that reflects off the polished marble floor.
Here are other tours and destination in Vienna: Check these out:
Your transport for this day tour of Vienna is a Segway, a self-balancing, personal transportation device that’s designed to operate in any pedestrian environment. Glide from Ferris Wheel in Prater Park through the streets for Vienna with ease as you absorb the atmosphere. This tour is seasonal and operates between April through October only.
Hike through secluded forests to the ruins of the Schrattenbach, before descending into the Rose Valley and entering the Johannesbach Gorge. This tour is seasonal and operates from February to November only.
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