Rathausplatz, Square in Innere Stadt, Vienna, Austria
Rathausplatz is a large square in Vienna's first district, with the city hall on its west side and a park covering much of the open area. The square is framed by grand buildings from the Ringstrasse period, and its central axis between the city hall and the Burgtheater is kept free for events.
The square was laid out in 1870 on the site of a former military parade ground, and the city hall was built between 1873 and 1883. It has been renamed several times, including a period as Adolf-Hitler-Platz, before returning to its original name in 1945.
On the square, you can see statues of historical figures like Henry II and Ernst Rüdiger von Starhemberg, which were moved here from the Elisabeth Bridge. The park is a common spot for locals to sit and relax, and the square often hosts public events.
The square is easy to reach on foot from the Ringstrasse, and trams stop nearby at the Burgtheater and Parliament. It is a good place to start a walk through the city center, with benches in the park and wide paths that are accessible to everyone.
The city hall has no main entrance on the square itself; the main entrances are on the side streets. The Christmas tree placed here each year is a gift from one of Austria's states, a tradition that started in 1959.
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