Graz: Austria's Hidden Gem In Styria

Graz is a city in Austria, specifically in the southeastern part of the country. It is the second-largest city in Austria and the capital of the Austrian federal state of Styria. The city is known for its well-preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its vibrant student scene. Graz has a rich history spanning 900 years and is home to several universities and colleges, with over 60,000 students combined. The city also boasts a lively culinary scene, earning the title of culinary capital of Austria.

Graz's history and architecture

Graz, the capital of the Austrian state of Styria, is a city with a rich history and a diverse range of architectural styles. The city's historic centre, Altstadt, is one of the best-preserved in Central Europe, with influences from Central Europe, Italy and the Balkan States.

History

Graz was founded by Bavarian settlers and the name likely comes from the Slavic word 'gradec', meaning small castle. The city was first mentioned in records in 1128 and became an important commercial centre under Babenberg rule in the 12th century. In 1281, Graz gained special privileges from King Rudolph I and in the 14th century, it became the residence of the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs. The city was a target for invaders, including the Hungarians and the Ottoman Turks, but its fortifications, built in the 15th and 16th centuries, withstood numerous sieges. In the 16th century, Italian Renaissance architects and artists dominated the city's design and planning, and their influence can still be seen today.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Graz was occupied by the French in 1797, 1805 and 1809. The city was a trade centre in the 17th and 18th centuries and developed rapidly in the 19th century through the interest of Archduke Johann. In 1850, Graz was constituted a city.

Architecture

Graz has a diverse range of architectural styles, from medieval to modern. The historic centre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999 and includes over 1,000 buildings, ranging from Gothic to contemporary. Notable buildings in the historic centre include:

• The Town Hall (Rathaus)
• The Castle Hill (Schlossberg)
• The Clock Tower (Uhrturm)
• The New Gallery (Neue Galerie)
• The Armoury (Landeszeughaus)
• The Opera House (Opernhaus)
• The Cathedral (Dom)
• The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II
• The Castle (Burg)
• The Painted House (Gemaltes Haus)

Outside the historic centre, notable buildings include:

• Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg)
• Mariatrost Basilica (Basilika Mariatrost)
• Jesus's Heart Church (Herz-Jesu-Kirche)
• The Graz University Hospital
• The Gösting Ruin (Ruine Gosting)
• The Botanical Garden of Graz

Graz also has several examples of contemporary architecture, including:

• The Modern Art Museum (Kunsthaus Graz)
• The Island in the Mur (Murinsel)
• The Ragnitzstraße Apartment Complex
• The Light Sword Sculpture (Lichtschwert)
• The University of Graz Main Library
• The A1 Telekom Building

Graz's culinary scene

Graz is known as Austria's culinary capital, and it's not hard to see why. The city is surrounded by lush farmland and vineyards, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has a rich cultural history, with influences from both the Mediterranean countries to its south and the more northern parts of Europe.

Graz offers everything from fine dining to casual street food. For a taste of traditional Austrian food in authentic surroundings, try Gasthaus Glöcklbräu in the heart of the old town. Here, you can sample dishes like Backhendl (deep-fried chicken) and Käsespätzle (mac 'n' cheese with crispy onion). Vegetarians are also well catered for, with several vegan and vegetarian restaurants across the city. Die Speis am Lendhafen, for example, serves regional, seasonal, and sustainable dishes, with at least two-thirds of its produce sourced within a 50-kilometre radius.

If you're looking for something a little more upscale, Aiola Upstairs sits at the top of Schlossberg and offers panoramic views of the city alongside regional and international dishes. The Schlossberg funicular can take you up to the restaurant, or you can opt for a more adventurous route and take The Slide Graz—at 64 metres tall, it's the highest underground slide in the world!

Graz is also home to 17 farmers' markets, the largest of which is the Kaiser-Josef Markt. Here, you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and local specialities like Styrian cheese and pumpkin seed oil. And if you're looking to sit down for a coffee, the city's café culture spills out onto the streets, with many patrons opting for an Aperol spritz over an espresso.

For a truly unique dining experience, don't miss the Long Table. This biannual event sees 750 people come together to dine at a massive outdoor table in the Hauptplatz main square. The dinner is prepared by some of the city's top chefs and features local ingredients and wines from the Styria region.

Graz's art and culture

Graz is a city of arts and contemporary culture, with a history spanning 900 years. Its art and culture scene is an intriguing blend of the old and the new.

The Old Town

The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a harmonious blend of architectural styles from different eras. The mix of Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture has earned Graz the title of having "the best-preserved city centre of Central Europe". The compact Historic Centre is easy to navigate, with integration of varying designs and structures melded together in a small space by a hill and a park. Walking through the Old Town, you'll find green spaces and sweeping viewpoints, townhouses painted with old murals, romantic courtyards, open baroque squares and winding cobblestone streets.

Some attractions in the Old Town include:

• The Burg castle complex, featuring a Gothic double staircase
• The Uhrturm clock tower, a symbol of Graz
• The Painted House, adorned with Baroque frescoes in 1742
• The Glockenspielhaus at Glockenspielplatz 4, where you can catch a performance by the Glockenspiel
• The Cathedral, featuring modern art stained glass windows

The River Mur

The River Mur neatly divides the city into two distinct halves: the more traditional old town and the trendy new town. The Murinsel, a floating platform in the river, is a contemporary architectural feat and a popular attraction. The river itself is connected with modern structures like the Murinsel café and exhibition space, and the Mur Promenade, which offers a waterside bar and relaxation spot.

Kunsthaus Graz

The Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the Graz Art Museum, is a striking example of modern architecture in Graz. Built in 2003 as part of the European Capital of Culture celebrations, it has become an iconic landmark in the city. Its distinctive design, featuring a skin of iridescent blue acrylic panels, has earned it the nickname "The Friendly Alien" from the locals. The museum specialises in contemporary art from the 1960s onwards, hosting international exhibitions of multidisciplinary modern and contemporary art. The building itself is a work of art, with a unique fusion of architecture and new media, such as the BIX façade, which can be used as a large screen for films and animations.

Lend Neighbourhood

Located on the other side of the River Mur, the Lend neighbourhood offers a contrast to the historic old town. This area is known for its vibrant, multi-cultural community, with immigrants from Yugoslavia and Turkey settling here in the 19th century. Lend is home to a variety of boutique shops, eco-initiative stores, new-generation coffee shops, bohemian restaurants, and edgy bars. It also hosts a weekly farmers' market in Lendplatz. The area has a vibrant nightlife, with casual pubs, urbanite bars, and late-night food spots.

Schlossberg

The Schlossberg is a 473-metre-high mound that offers the best views over the city. It was once the site of a small fort, giving Graz its name, which means "little castle". Today, it features the iconic Clock Tower, a beloved symbol of the city. You can climb the 260 steps to the top or take the funicular. The Schlossberg also has The Slide Graz, the highest underground slide in the world, offering a thrilling ride down the mound.

Graz's natural surroundings

Graz is the capital of Styria, a state in Austria known as the country's green heart. The city is surrounded by hills, mountains, forests, lakes, and vineyards, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Here is an overview of Graz's natural surroundings and nearby attractions:

Parks and Green Spaces in Graz

Graz boasts a plethora of parks and green spaces that provide a peaceful escape from city life. The Stadtpark, the city's largest and most famous park, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its nature reserve and historical monuments. It features white-blossoming chestnut trees, sculptures, and monuments by renowned artists. The park also hosts cultural events and has nearby bars and cafes. For a quieter experience, the Burggarten, located behind the Styrian State government, offers a tranquil atmosphere with its hidden location on a former castle bastion. It was once a winter garden for tropical plants, giving it a unique and serene ambiance.

Another popular spot is the Augarten Park, situated along the River Mur. It has a beach and a promenade where visitors can relax in the sun or enjoy a walk or cycle along the river.

Natural Attractions Near Graz

Graz is surrounded by natural wonders and attractions that draw visitors seeking outdoor adventures. Here are some notable places to visit:

• Thalersee—A popular local recreation destination located west of Graz, offering a serene escape from the city.
• Gleinalm Schutzhaus—A protection hut offering refreshments and stunning views of the surrounding nature.
• Kesselfallklamm Gorge—A spectacular gorge with pleasant walking trails, even on hot days.
• Schöckl Mountain—A mountain near Graz with a summit cross at 1,445 meters. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for paragliding.
• Lurgrotte Cave—A vast cave system in Semriach, offering a unique exploration experience.
• Open-Air Museum Stübing—An open-air museum showcasing old farmhouses and farm buildings from different eras.
• Austrian Sculpture Park—A park featuring contemporary sculptures and artistic expressions.
• Maria Strassengel Pilgrimage Church—A pilgrimage destination with a beautiful church and surrounding natural scenery.
• Lipizzaner Stud Farm Piber—A farm dedicated to breeding the famous Lipizzaner horses.
• Riegersburg Castle—An imposing fortress that was never conquered, serving as a bastion against Turkish invasions.

Natural Getaways for Students

Graz also offers natural getaways for students seeking respite from their studies. The Burggarten, with its hidden location and tropical plants, is an ideal spot for a quiet break. The Stadtpark provides a lively atmosphere with its cultural events and nearby dining options. The Rosenhain offers a beautiful view of the city and opportunities for sports activities. Additionally, the Botanical Garden, run by the University of Graz, allows visitors to explore diverse plant life from tropical rainforests and deserts worldwide.

Graz's student life

Graz is a haven for students, with a population of over 60,000 students from across the world. It is known as a college and university city, with four colleges and four universities. The city is home to prestigious institutions such as the Karl-Franzens University, the University of the Arts, the Graz University of Technology, the Medical University of Graz, and the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz.

Graz offers a range of study programmes, including education, medicine, humanities, natural sciences, economics, law, architecture, and romance languages. There are also some exceptional and rare courses, such as aviation at FH Joanneum and digital engineering at TU Graz.

The city provides a vibrant student scene, with cosy study cafes, buzzing student bars, museums, and parks. There is a diverse range of university sports programmes, and affordable gym memberships, as well as stunning hiking trails around the city.

Graz also offers a variety of affordable leisure activities, such as visiting the Schlossberg, wandering through the historic old town, and catching a movie at the open-air theatre on the Murinsel. There are also several museums, including the Kunsthaus modern art museum, with student discounts available at many attractions.

The student life in Graz is characterised by diversity and dynamic energy, with a variety of events and meet-up spots designed for students. It is an ideal place to study, offering a mix of academic excellence and vibrant city life.

Frequently asked questions