Relaxing in the City, © Schwarz König

St. Pölten town hall

Historical sites

Description

The landmark of Lower Austria's provincial capital is located directly in the heart of St. Pölten's baroque old town. Together with the Franciscan Church opposite and, among other things, the State Theater of Lower Austria, the listed City Hall of St. Pölten lines the City Hall Square with the Holy Trinity Column.

It was first mentioned in a document as the town hall in 1503, when the eastern half of the present building was purchased. About 60 years later, the western part of the building was also acquired. Over the centuries, the historic premises have housed the town scales and the salt office, the library and the museum, as well as the fire station and the prison.

Today, the town hall is the seat of the mayor, the town senate and the town council. It also houses the city's media and cultural services, as well as other parts of the magistrate's office.

Building styles of the St. Pölten City Hall: from Baroque to Renaissance and Gothic
Today's St. Pölten City Hall got its baroque face around 1727, when the Tyrolean baroque master builder Joseph Munggenast was responsible for the redesign of the façade - with Renaissance portal and heraldic stones - and Renaissance tower.

Other recognizable building styles and architectural highlights in the St. Pölten City Hall:

  • late Romanesque cross-ribbed vault,
  • Gothic seat niches,
  • Renaissance inscriptions,
  • Baroque imperial stucco ceiling from 1722 in today's mayor's room - with medallion portraits of the Roman-German emperors,
  • Sgraffiti (special wall decoration technique) from the 14th century on the west facade.

The octagonal tower was completed at the end of the 16th century. Among other things, it had served for a long time as a granary and stuff house. Today, as part of the annual St. Pölten Christkindlmarkt, it houses the successively illuminated Advent windows designed by schools and kindergartens.

Experience the town hall: Guided tours and visits
You don't have to go on an important official tour to visit St. Pölten City Hall: It can also be visited as part of historical city tours. In addition, selected events - such as exhibitions or presentations - take place here throughout the year.

Location
  • Can be reached with public transportation

Location and how to get there