| The ambitious program of architectural improvements | | | | shows scenes from the 13th to 16th centuries; one can |
| to Vienna introduced by Emperor Franz Joseph I, | | | | see Duke Rudolf IV laying the foundation-stone for the |
| including the Ringstraߥ, the Rathauspark (City Hall | | | | southern spire of St. Stephen's Cathedral and the |
| Park), and the Opera. Friedrich von Schmidt, who had | | | | institution of Vienna University, the world's oldest |
| been one of the architects working on Cologne | | | | university where students are taught in the German |
| Cathedral, designed and built the Vienna City Hall | | | | language. |
| between 1872 and 1883. It is the most significant | | | | The left-hand side takes one into the 17th to 19th |
| secular building in the neo-Gothic style in the city. | | | | centuries. Empress Maria Theresa is surrounded by |
| As Vienna is Austria's federal capital as well as a | | | | famous exponents of the politics, arts and sciences of |
| federal province in its own right, it is the seat of the | | | | her era. Most of the pointed-arch windows with |
| mayor and governor of Vienna - two posts held by | | | | stained lead glazing facing the gallery were |
| the same person. The Provincial Assembly is | | | | reconstructed after the Second World War on the |
| composed of 100 members and elected for a term of | | | | basis of the original plans. The back wall of the central |
| five years. | | | | visitors' gallery depicts the tasks of Vienna's municipal |
| The huge chandelier in the historicist style is the most | | | | administration in symbolic form. |
| striking feature of the 14-metre-high Council Chamber | | | | Another attractive feature is the Senate Chamber |
| where the members of the Assembly convene. It has | | | | which serves as the meeting-room of the City Senate. |
| a diameter of five meters and 213 lights. It was cast in | | | | This is one of the most impressive rooms of the City |
| one piece, weighs 3,200 kg and can be entered by | | | | Hall. A special sight is the beautiful majolica fireplace - a |
| maintenance personnel to change the lamps. The | | | | present by the Guild of Stove and Fireplace Makers |
| coffered ceiling of high-grade larch and spruce wood is | | | | dating from 1885 - on the wall facing the entrance to |
| decorated with 22-carat gold-leaf rosettes. Directly | | | | the hall. The walls are covered with green silk damask. |
| below the ceiling, a series of frescoes depicts events | | | | The ceiling featuring inlay work and gilt elements is |
| from the history of Austria and Vienna. The section | | | | intricately and richly decorated. |
| situated on the right hand of the central visitors' gallery | | | | |