| Rathaus Park (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Rathaus Park
Rathaus Park
In 1863 Emperor Franz Joseph I commissioned Dr. Rudolf Siebeck to design a park to replace the parade ground that existed in this site. The result is the Rathauspark which separates the Rathaus from the Ringstraße. It is designed to be a contrast to the imposing surrounding buildings which include the Rathaus (City Hall), Burgtheater, Parlament and University. Thus the park has few formal features in it.Rathauspark is laid out in two grassy areas in the north and south linked by a central pathway. These areas are planted with a variety of shrubs and trees. Some of these are exotic, like the Japanese pagoda tree or umbrella tree (Sophora japonica) and an old ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).
The park is heavily used by the public most of the year. In the summer the central area is covered in stalls selling a variety of food, while a big screen suspended in fron of the Rathaus shows classical concerts. A bigger market is the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) which takes place between mid November to Christmas and sees the area packed with stalls selling various arts, crafts and food. For the New Year the area is turned into a temporary ice skating ring.
Transport:
U-Bhan : (U2) Rathaus
Tram / Bus : 1, 2, J, D
