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The new Viennese Town Hall extends 20.000 sqm in a neo-gothic style with a broad main façade which consists of five towers. The construction costs of 14 million guldens forced the city of Vienna to the edge of bankruptcy.

With this construction (1872-1883) the Viennese master builder Friedrich Schmidt had his biggest success. The central tower rises up 98 meters into the sky and is extended by the “Rathausmann”, “town hall man”, by not less than 5.50 meters. The town hall’s arcades, loggias, and roofs are magnificently decorated with statues. In summer, open-air concerts take place on the grounds. The two elegant staircases on the left and on the right side of the town hall lead directly to the “Volkshalle”, full of wonderful exhibitions. In addition, marvellous events like the famous Christmas market, the film festival or “ice dream” (a big ice skating ring) take place on the huge area in front of the town hall.