Government Building sights in Vienna
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A
Rathaus
This neo-Gothic concoction, completed in 1883 by Friedrich von Schmidt, was modelled on Flemish city halls. Its main spire soars to 102m, if you include the pennant held by the knight at the top. You’re free to wander through the seven inner courtyards, but you must join a guided tour to see the interior, with its red carpets, gigantic mirrors and frescos (tours leave from the Rathaus information office on Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz). The largest of these inner courtyards sometimes hosts concerts. Rathausplatz is the sight of some of the city’s most frequented events, including the Christkindlmarkt, Musikfilm Festival and the Wiener Eistraum (Vienna Ice Dream;).
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B
Uno-City
UNO-City, or Vienna International Centre as it is officially known, is home to a variety of international organisations, but mainly houses the UN’s third-largest office in the world. Multilingual guided tours lasting about one hour take you through conference rooms and exhibitions on UN activities and give you an insight into what goes on behind usually closed doors. The complex was the picture of modernism way back in 1979 when it was built; today it looks less than fab. It does have a rather glamorous extraterritorial status, though, so bring your passport when visiting.
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C
Parlament
The Parlament building opposite the Volksgarten strikes a governing pose over the Ringstrasse. Its neoclassical facade and Greek pillars, designed by Theophil Hansen in 1883, are striking, and the beautiful Athena Fountain, sculpted by Karl Kundmann, which guards the building offsets it magnificently. The visitor centre directly behind Athena is where you can find out about the history of Austrian politics and how parliament runs from a multimedia show of video clips and interactive screens.
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