Rathaus Bregenz (City Hall), Bregenz

Rathaus Bregenz (City Hall) was built in 1686 as a grain store. Its thick walls and strong structure were needed to hold large amounts of grain, showing how important trade near the lake had become. Around 1720, parts of the city administration moved in. By 1810/11, it officially replaced the old town hall in the Upper Town and became the main centre of local government.

In 1898, the building was redesigned for Emperor Franz Joseph I’s 50th jubilee. The façade was given a Neo-Renaissance look, with a stepped gable, Tuscan half-columns at the entrance, and mosaic details. The council chamber was updated in 1908–1909 by Otto Mallaun. A statue of St. Gebhard, born in Bregenz and later Bishop of Constance, stands in a front niche.

Inside are the mayor’s office, meeting rooms, and city departments. From April 6, 1861, the building hosted sessions of the Vorarlberg Landtag, giving it regional political importance. Some visitors mistake it for the medieval Martinsturm in the Upper Town, but the Rathaus stands in the Lower Town, close to the lakefront and harbour area.