Palais Epstein

Designed by Theophil von Hansen, the same architect who created the plans for Austria’s national Parlament, Palais Epstein started life as home to the prominent Jewish Epstein family before being sold in 1873 to plug financial problems. It later became the infamous Soviet Union headquarters during the ‘four men in a jeep’ period after WWII – nicknamed the ‘Gateway to Siberia’ because around 1000 Austrians passed through its doorways on their deportation route to Siberia. Today it houses part of the Austrian national parliament and you can take tours through its hallowed halls (the glass atrium rises an impressive four floors) and visit its bel étage rooms. With a filigree ceiling of gold lacework and circular frescos (Hansen based it on detail in the Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Venice), the Spielzimmer (play room) is one highlight. A ticket for a two-hour tour of the palace and the parliament costs adult/concession & child €7/3. No tours leave when the parliament is in session.