Friedrich von Schmidt, who had been the architect of the Cathedral of Cologne, designed and built Vienna's City Hall, the most important secular building in the neo-Gothic style in the city, between 1872 and 1883. The height of the tower is 97.9 m, plus the so-called "Iron Rathausmann", who measures 3.4 m (6 m including the standard) and has become a symbol of Vienna. Shoe size: 63. Vienna City Hall is the official seat of the Mayor and the meeting place of the city senate/provincial government and the Municipal Council/Landtag. City Hall was built between 1872 and 1883 and is a building of superlatives: Around 30 million bricks and more than 40,000 cubic meters of natural stone were used. The Arkadenhof of City Hall is one of the biggest inner courtyards in Europe with an area of 2,804 m². The Festival Hall is 71 meters long, 20 meters wide and 18.5 meters high. If the fire authorities were to allow it, 1,500 couples could dance the waltz here at the same time.
Numerous events are held inside and in front of City Hall. One of the most important and best known is without doubt the Life Ball, which is held every year in May. Numerous other balls are also organized in this wonderful building each year. Starting in November, the Advent Market in front of City Hall creates the right atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas. And from January to March, City Hall Square and City Hall Park transform into the most beautiful skating rink in the world. City Hall is also home to the Vienna City and Regional Library (with its extensive collection of Viennensia) and the Vienna City and Regional Archive. Tours are held for individuals on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1.00 pm. No registration required. No guided tours are offered on session days, gazetted public holidays, Good Friday, 24 and 31 December as well as during major events. Free audio guides are available in English, French, Italian and Spanish when a valid form of ID is left as security.
