Parliament (05.10.08)

On Saturday we finally had enough time for a real sightseeing. I mean inside. We decided to go to the Parliament first.
I must admit it really is amazing. Built in 1874-1884, inspired by acropolis. There's a statue of Athena in front of the building and some spiteful people joke that the wisdom has turned back from the politicians... Because the statue faces the street, not the building itself.
Anyway, we paid 2 E for a students' ticket and had to visit the Parliament with a guide.
First we went to the Columned Hall – this is where the deputies and the members of the House of Lords would gather in 19th century to listen to the speech of the Emperor. That was the vision of the architect but it was never realised. Now the room serves as a festive locations, there are some exhibitions, too.
The House of Commons has 192 seats, leather chairs, two galleries. The Federal Council Chamber looks more attractive. It's richly decorated with symbols of each province, there's a marble imitation, too, and some columns. Quite a nice place to work in.
And finally the breathtaking the House of the Federal Assembly. Huge, in a semi circle shape, decorated with columns, gold, marble (or its imitation), inspired by Greek and Roman architecture, full of various statues, mythological symbols... Well, it must be a pure pleasure to work here... And somehow I can't imagine how one can argue or fight here... But it happened several times...

Pics in Vienna I