On Vacation Guide Book Vienna | Page 48

RATHAUS Inside is one of the largest courtyards in Europe. 71 meters in length and 20 in width made it a great place to spend summer balls. When the old town hall became too small, despite the fact that other buildings in the city were occupied as a result of administrative expansion and annexation of the suburbs (1850), after the demolition of the fortress wall, a new building was planned. In 1968, a competition took place, which included more than 20 variants of buildings and various locations. October 12, 1869, the project was approved. The beginning of the final design and construction was postponed, as the administration was afraid to submit a plan for the construction of the main square, which included the Town Hall, the University of Vienna and the Parliament. However, the Emperor Franz Joseph surprised all present with the plan.  The construction of the facade and perimeter continued from May 23, 1872, to September 12, 1883. On June 23, 1885, the local council moved to a new house. The Town Hall Square serves as the main square of Austria. Many important events take place here. It serves as the central venue for the Ball of Life, in the past, there was the "Eurovision Village" in 2015. In November, a big Christmas market starts here, and from November to March the square turns into a skating rink.