Parlament und Palais Ebstein - Vienna Stay Apartments

Parliament and Ebstein Palace

The Parliament Building and the adjacent Palais Epstein are central buildings of the Austrian Parliament and belong to the historicism jewels of Vienna's Ringstrasse. Both buildings originate from the plans of the architect Theophil Hansen at the end of the 19th century.

The parliament building can be visited again from 2021, after completion of its renovation. The architectural style recalls the Hellenistic ideals of freedom and the rule of law.

Until the end of the Austrian monarchy, the parliament building served for the assembly of the deputies of the Imperial Council. Representatives of all the crown lands of the Dual Monarchy, from Galicia in present-day Poland to Dalmatia in present-day Croatia, met here. In this sense, the materials from which the parliament building was constructed also came from all the represented crown lands. Since 1918, the National and Federal Councils of the Austrian Republic have met here.

During tours of the 14,000 m² magnificent building with 1,600 rooms, the imposing portico is a particular highlight. But the historic meeting hall also has a fascinating effect on visitors. It is modeled on a Greek theater and is therefore particularly impressive.
In front of the main entrance of the Parliament, the famous Pallas Athena fountain forms a popular photo motif. The Greek goddess Pallas Athena is the goddess of wisdom and is supposed to represent the wisdom of state power.

After a visit to the Parliament, you can also take the guided tour "Democracy.Power.Places" at Heldenplatz. This takes place from Monday to Saturday at 10:30 and 13:30 in German, and at 12:00 and 15:00 in English. The free tour discusses the development of Austrian parliamentarianism. The significance of Heldenplatz and surrounding sites is included.

As an extension of the Parliament, Palais Epstein also offers public guided tours from Monday to Saturday at 10:30 and 13:30. You will learn about the history of this important Ringstrasse palace in its function as a historical "Zinnspalais" and as today's parliament building.