In Vienna, The New City Hall landmark stands on the equally famous Rathaus Park. The building was erected in 1883 and still accommodates about 2000 Austrian bureaucrats at work. But as a fine example of neo-gothic architecture, the buildings and its grounds are also open to tourists.
Several World Fairs have featured the building, as the end of the 19th century saw the revival of the neo-gothic style it exemplifies. Its central spire soars 98m above the plaza surrounded by the street aptly named, Ringstrasse. The delicately decorated facade of New City Hall is highly reminiscent of the great gothic cathedrals built hundreds of years earlier.
Visitors who have enjoyed the style in Paris or London will not be disappointed by this Rathaus landmark. In the upper section are the structure’s well-regarded loggia with their highly ornate tracery, right next to the curved balconies.
The grounds are equally stunning. It has seven individual courtyards festooned with flowers and plants that offer an oasis in this bustling Austrian metropolis. During the summer, concerts find a great setting in the Arkadenhof courtyard.
But the music festivals are just a small part of the action that take place in the Rathaus grounds and park. There is a Christmas Market Festival held at Rathausplatz that attracts huge numbers of both locals and tourists. An equally famous and well attended Film Festival takes place during the entire month of August every year in the nearby City Hall Park.
Thousands gather in the park to enjoy the greenery, celebrate Vienna’s warm summers, or just to people watch. Like any large, well-known city, visitors will find all sorts of interesting folk here. But the entire area is safe and festive and everyone usually has a good time.
The park and Rathaus form two ends of a portion of Ringstrasse - a main thoroughfare that encircles what is known as the First District or Innere Stadt. In other cities, such an area might be called Old Town. But here, old town Vienna takes on a new meaning.
Before 1850, Inner Stadt was simply Vienna. Since then, the city has grown to encompass a larger area and people have been able to spread out to other places. Inhabitants of this particular section declined from 73,000 to 17,000 over the hundred year period.
This has been great for tourists and visitors, since it allows them to enjoy the New City Hall park free from the crowds one might see in, say, Central Park in New York. Though popular, the park isn’t wall-to-wall people. Instead, it’s possible to take an easy stroll, ride a bicycle or even have a tennis match without having to worry too much about others. Open food stalls and a beer garden make for an equally delightful atmosphere in the evenings.
Related tours and destination available in Vienna.
Vienna, a city of culture, of music, and classical architecture. So whether you prefer museums or galleries, cathedrals or palaces - Vienna has it all. Welcome to Vienna Package is the best way to make the most of a short stay, especially if you are coming for the first time. It will be delivered to your hotel free of charge.
Enjoy a royal package with a self-guided audio Schonbrunn Palace walking tour followed by a three course dinner at Caf
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