Who knew justice buildings would turn out to be some of the best hidden gems in European cities?
We LOVED the Justizpalast in Munich…
So, we decided to check out the equivalent building in Vienna!
I knew before we arrived that we were going to come across a fairly robust security screening. What I didn’t realize (maybe this is new?) is that they only allow entry for 25 members of the public per hour.
Entry happens on the half-hour—starting at 9:30 am, then 10:30, 11:30, and so on until 2:30 pm. If you’re number 26… you’re out of luck and will be asked to wait outside for the next slot. Womp, womp.
We arrived ~11:15 and a small crowd was already forming. My stomach dropped… and then dropped some more when I saw the sign (nothing I’d read online mentioned an hourly cap!!).
I told the kids to start counting the number of people ahead of us in line and it looked like we’d make it.
A couple of people squeezed ahead of us (HOW rude), so I wasn’t sure… but we managed to come in at numbers 21, 22, and 23.
The interior is stunning.
The building was completed in 1881 and is currently home to Austria’s Supreme Court.
It also represents a critical turning point in Austria’s history.
In July of 1927 there was a mass protest in Vienna, sparked by a not-guilty verdict for far-right extremists who had killed two people (including a child). Feeling the legal system was rigged, protesters stormed and torched the Palace of Justice (the fire damage was extensive). Police started shooting indiscriminately, killing close to 100 people. This ended up being an important catalyst for the Austrian Civil War and the country’s eventual slide into Nazi control.
At one point, a woman asked (in English) if I wanted a photo with the kids. In less than a minute I learned she and her husband were visiting from Charleston, South Carolina and had even been to (and loved!) Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s a small world after all 🙂
The focal point of the atrium is a massive statue of Lady Justice.
CAN YOU IMAGINE PROM OR WEDDING PICTURES HERE?????
Belle said: Let’s take a picture. Of course, that immediately cued Indy to stick out his tongue (much to his sister’s disgust).
Up on the rooftop terrace, there’s a cafe that looked more like a full restaurant. It was busy (and the food smelled amazing).
The dome behind Belle’s head is the Natural History Museum.
A Few Tips for Visiting
- Because only 25 people are allowed in each hour, timing is everything!
- Most visitors head straight to the grand staircase and then spread out. If you want photos without crowds, circle back about 10 minutes after getting inside and you’ll likely find it empty.
- This is a working government building, so filming/photos of staff is prohibited (though we barely saw anyone; lots of areas are closed off and the public only has easy access to the main hall, top-floor terrace, and a few corridors).
Of course he had to jump! I love this picture <3
In terms of security, you have to go through a (tube) scanner on the way in AND on the way out.
This was a great (free!) stop in Vienna. The architecture is incredible, and while the 25-person limit can be stressful if you just miss the cutoff, it makes for a more enjoyable, uncrowded experience.
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This sound exactly like a capitol tour to me! It’s hard to say what the magic of being in these buildings is, but there is definitely something about it.
How fun to meet up with someone from Charleston who had visited NS! It is a small world.
YES! Why did I not make the connection until now? This is definitely like a capitol tour. The buildings are so grand.
And now I’m humming It’s A Small World After All on repeat—hahaha.
This is stunning! I actually like the 25 person limit- I would rather have an uncrowded experience, even if I had to wait to get in.
I loved the 25 person limit… since we squeaked in and made it into the 25 😉
But, YES, having it almost empty was perfect.
I’m so glad you guys made it in on your first wait. What a gorgeous building! The architecture is amazing; if those walls could talk. How nice though to be able to see this space without a million other humans in your way.
How serendipitous to meet someone from Charleston; isn’t that where your sister lives?
She lives in Columbia (SC), but it’s so close and we visit Charleston every time we’re in SC. It felt like a very small world.
Wow, those pics are gorgeous, what a spectacular building!! I think would have walked around with my jaw dropped to the floor.
You’re bang on about how incredible prom or wedding photos would be there.
It was such a beautiful building. And free!!!! The price point makes it even more enjoyable for me 🙂