Rathausplatz
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About
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Why go
- About 40,000 m², with roughly two-thirds occupied by Rathauspark.
Don't miss
- Stone monuments from the ElisabethbrückeStone monuments transferred from the former bridge, which crossed the Wien, line the road towards the Rathaus.Beside the road from the Ringstrasse to the Rathaus.
- Rathaus–Burgtheater axisThe open central axis gives a view towards the Burgtheater.Between the Rathaus and the Burgtheater.
- Parliament’s former carriage entranceThe covered side entrance was originally used by carriages.At Parliament, on Rathausplatz.
Know before you go
- The Christkindlmarkt is held on Rathausplatz in November and December.
- The Wiener Eistraum temporary ice rink is held here in January and February.
- The Wiener Festwochen opens on the square in May.
- Open-air film screenings with classical music take place here in July and August.
- Food stalls serve Viennese and international food during the July–August festival.
Tips for your visit
- Look for the statue of Theodor Körner in Rathauspark; he served as mayor before becoming president.
With kids
- A large children’s play area is in the northern section of Rathauspark.
Interesting facts5
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1902
The roadside stone monuments were erected in 1902.
Rathausplatz, Vienna - Wikipedia -
The monuments portray Henry II, Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg, Duke Rudolf the Founder and Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach.
Rathausplatz, Vienna - Wikipedia -
1683
Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg is among the monuments; he defended Vienna during the second Ottoman siege of 1683.
Rathausplatz, Vienna - Wikipedia -
Other monuments depict Duke Leopold the Glorious, Nicholas, Count of Salm, Archbishop Leopold Karl von Kollonitsch and Joseph von Sonnenfels.
Rathausplatz, Vienna - Wikipedia -
1959
The annual Christmas tree tradition began in 1959, with a tree donated by one of Austria’s states.
Rathausplatz, Vienna - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
The square has hosted political demonstrations under successive rulers.
- 19th c.The site was defensive grassland outside Vienna’s walls, then a parade and drill ground for the imperial army.
- 1858Construction of the Ringstraße began while the site remained under military control. Mayor Cajetan Felder later negotiated the army’s release of the site.
- 1870Rathausplatz was established.
- 1872–1873Rudolph Siebeck designed the northern and southern sections of Rathauspark.
- 1873The Rathaus foundation stone was laid; construction began the following year.
Show all
- 1907The square was renamed Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Platz.
- 1919After Red Vienna began, the square regained its original name.
- 1938–1945The square briefly bore the name Adolf-Hitler-Platz. That renaming was reversed on 30 April 1945.
Sources: Rathausplatz, Vienna - Wikipedia · Vienna/Innere Stadt - Wikivoyage (do) · Rathausplatz (Wien) - Wikipedia · checked 24 Sep 2026
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Questions and answers
How is Rathauspark arranged?
Its northern and southern sections are divided by the road from the Ringstrasse to the Rathaus.
Who was Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg at Rathausplatz?
He is commemorated among the monuments and defended Vienna during the second Ottoman siege in 1683.
What was the Rathausplatz area called before the square?
It formed part of the Josefstädter Glacis.
Why was Rathausplatz named Dr.-Karl-Lueger-Platz?
It honored the mayor then in office.
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