The Town Hall

Mirror of time

When vast areas of Baden are ravaged by fire in 1812, the old town hall which has existed since the 16th century is also destroyed. Its rebuilding is delayed since Emperor Francis I has other ideas than the town fathers. Against their will the Emperor has his court architect Johann Aman design a Neoclassical façade. The new building is erected by the town architect Anton Hantl in 1814 and 1815.

As on the Emperor’s House, a balcony presides over the entrance, continuing into 4 mighty columns which dominate the simple façade. Towards the end of the 19th century the Town Hall is renovated and made suitable for town government in the new age with an extension added in Rathausgasse.

The Neoclassical façade has been maintained and bears 3 reliefs over the balcony between the columns. The personification of intelligence and justice are the work of sculptor Josef Klieber, the relief in the centre represents the town goddess Badenia and is from sculptor Franz Abel.

Until 1985 the Town Hall is also home to the District Court and a prison. Rumour has it that “The Waltz King” Johann Strauss pays homage to one of its prison guards with the character Frosch in his famous operetta “Die Fledermaus”. Others say the character bears a striking resemblance to Alfred Schreiber, Director of the Stadtheater (Provincial Theater) in Strauss’s day.

Image: Exterior view of Baden Town Hall © Wolf Photos, GG Tourism Baden