Chiemseehof opens to visitors for Austria’s National Day

Salzburg’s Chiemseehof, home to the state government and parliament, is opening to visitors on Austria’s National Day, ORF reports. The public can tour the building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 26.

Visitors can see the office of the state governor, meeting rooms and the plenary chamber. Guided tours will leave every hour, with state parliament president Brigitta Pallauf welcoming visitors and discussing the building’s history and parliamentary democracy. A military music concert is scheduled for 10 a.m., and children can attend performances by Sindri’s puppet theatre.

The Chiemsee bishops resided in the building until around 200 years ago. Today it houses the governor’s offices and government meeting room. Much of its historic interior remains, including an engraving collection dating to around 1750. The 36 members of Salzburg’s state parliament now meet in a room that was once used to store grain.

Salzburg’s first freely elected state parliament met on April 6, 1861. The first session in the chamber still in use today took place in 1868.

The Austrian Armed Forces and police will also have information stands at the event. The military will provide information about national defence and career opportunities, while police will offer safety advice, including guidance on current scams. The state’s volunteer service office will answer questions about volunteering.