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(New) Townhall (Rathaus)Frontview from street Ringstrasse
Ringstrasse, square Rathausplatz, monuments left and right and a tent for a cultural event
The "New Townhall (Neues Rathaus)" was constructed in "Late gothic"-style 1872-1883 by Cologne architect Friedrich Schmidt (1872-1882) - Constructionmodel by K. Zumbusch, J. Gasser, K. Kundmann, E. Pendl, E. Hellmer. In the big Ballroom and the administration-council-hall there are pictures on the ceiling by Johann Michael Rottmayr. The middle-tower is almost 100m high, on top there is the 3m40 high "Townhallman (Rathausmann)", a knight in iron armament. In the Park in front of the Townhall are many monuments of "big sons" of our City (Mayor Karl Seitz, Painter Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller and the "Kings of Waltz" Joseph Lanner, Johann Strauss son&father and more) and two fountains. The ParkIn 17th century the park at Rathaus was a big parade ground between parliament, Josefstädter Strasse and Hofburg. On order of emperor Joseph II. trees were planted in 1782 and the park was opened "for enjoyment purpose". 1784 Mr.Johann Milani opened a coffee-tent. He brewed Viennese Melange and music played. Nearby female merchants sold exotic fruits, oranges and lemons. Therefor they were called "Lemoniweiber" (Lemoni-women). At the beginning of 19th century the place neglected and finally was closed. A new building was planned at this place, the new townhall (das neue Rathaus). In summer and before Christmas smart waiters serve food and drinks instead of Lemoniweiber.
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