Greek on purpose
Hansen, who had worked in Athens, chose Greek forms because Greece was seen as the birthplace of democracy. Even the chariots on the roof come from ancient models.
Urban Tales › Vienna › Austrian Parliament
Austrian Parliament: the history, and the goddess at the door
Built for the Austrian half of the Habsburg empire, the Parliament looks like a Greek temple on purpose. It reopened in 2022 after a five-year renovation. Here's what you're looking at.
Built1874–1883
ArchitectTheophil Hansen
Athena fountain1902
Reopened2022
Hear the Austrian Parliament story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Wisdom outside the door
Pallas Athena, goddess of wisdom, stands in front, not inside. Viennese joke that wisdom was left outside the parliament.
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Five years closed
The building closed in 2017 for its biggest renovation since 1945 and reopened in 2022, with a glass roof over the National Council chamber and free guided tours.
TipLook at the four reclining figures at the foot of the Athena fountain: they stand for the Danube, Inn, Elbe and Vltava rivers of the old empire. With Urban Tales running, the building's story plays as you reach the Ring.
Nearby landmarks
Austrian Parliament: common questions
Can you visit the Austrian Parliament?
Yes, there are free guided tours and a visitor center since the 2022 reopening.
Who designed the Austrian Parliament?
Theophil Hansen; it was built between 1874 and 1883.
Who is the statue in front of the Austrian Parliament?
Pallas Athena, goddess of wisdom, on a fountain added in 1902.