One of the largest palaces in Vienna is the Austrian Parliament, which houses both the Federal and National Councils. The entire Parliament complex is actually made up of two mirror-connected buildings.

Architecture and history

The Palace of the Parliament is one of the most important monuments of historicism not only in Austria, but in the whole of Europe. Designed by the architect Theophilus Hansen, the Parliament began construction in 1873 in the style of ancient buildings with a large Pallas Athena fountain in front of the main entrance.

The architect chose the ancient form of the palace because the ancient Greeks revered law and liberty above all else, values that the representatives of the Austrian Parliament should also represent.

The building was completed in 1883, badly damaged after World War II, but restored in the 1950s and underwent another extensive renovation in 2019.

The main entrance is an exact replica of one of the portals of the Acropolis of Athens, and in the largest inner hall, the so-called Column Hall, you can admire 24 marble columns gilded with 23-carat gold.

Excursions and admission

The Parliament building is easily accessible with guided tours, which are available in German and English from Monday to Saturday every hour between 10:45 and 15:45. Tours are not available on Sundays, public holidays and special sessions.

There is no admission fee for the tour, reservations can be made on site, see official information.

Location and transport

The Parliament is located in the centre of Vienna on the Ringstrasse and can be reached within 20 minutes on foot from most major sights. It is also very accessible by public transport:

Metro - Volkstheater station approx. 200 metres (line U3) or Rathaus approx. 250 metres (line U2)
Tram - Parliament stop approx. 20 metres (lines D, 1, 2, 71)