The Parliament, home to the National Assembly - Austria

Antique cradle of democracy, Greece inspired Theophil von Hansen in his edification of the Parliament in the late 1800s. The building today has a number of columns and friezes. Myriad statues decorate the banister. The fountain which can stands in front of the building is dominated by the statue of Pallas Athéna, symbolic figure of political wisdom. The pediment, also heavily decorated, demonstrates the François-Joseph's constitution. The republic was declared before the Parliament in 1918. The monument can today be admired from the tram. The tram is a central part of Viennese life, and lines 1 and 2 are particularly of interest for the tourist as they circle the Ring, famous and prestigious artery and then goes onto surround the historical heart of the city to the ramparts that were built to protect Vienna. A hundred years ago there were approximately hundred tram lines but today there remain only thirty. © Photo : Carlos Rodrigues

  The Votivkirche, in memory of Franz Joseph

The surprising Hundertwasserhaus