Discover Graz, Austria: Must-See Attractions And More

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring historical buildings, admiring unique architecture, and immersing themselves in local culture. Here's a paragraph to introduce some of the top attractions and must-see spots in Graz:

Graz, nestled along the River Mur, offers a captivating blend of old and new. The city's rich history dates back to the 12th century, with the Old Town boasting numerous Baroque facades and being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Schlossberg, a towering hill, provides a picturesque backdrop to the town and houses the iconic Clock Tower. Graz is also known for its modern landmarks, such as the Kunsthaus Graz Art Museum, affectionately nicknamed the Friendly Alien due to its futuristic design. The Hauptplatz, or main square, is a bustling hub with stunning architecture, including the Town Hall and the Haus am Luegg. For armoury enthusiasts, the Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus) boasts an impressive collection of weapons and armour. Graz also has its fair share of green spaces, including the Municipal Park and Botanical Gardens. Beyond the city, visitors can explore the South Styrian Wine Road, the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum, and the Lipizzaner Stud Farm. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Graz promises an unforgettable experience.

Hauptplatz: Graz's main square, with historical buildings, markets and events

Hauptplatz, Graz's main square, is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. The square is a beautiful blend of history and modern life, with magnificent buildings and a bustling city centre.

History

In the Middle Ages, Graz was a hub of commerce and trade, with weekly markets and fairs taking place in the Hauptplatz. The square was once the centre of public life, and the site of public executions and punishments for minor offences. The architecture of the square's west side, with its staggered row of houses interrupted by narrow alleys, is a reminder of this medieval past.

The town hall, which dominates the southern part of the square, has undergone several transformations over the centuries. The current building, completed in 1893, was designed by Viennese architects Wielemans and Reuter. It replaced a smaller Renaissance-style town hall from around 1550, which had also served as a prison.

The Archduke Johann Fountain

At the centre of the Hauptplatz stands the Archduke Johann fountain and monument, erected in 1878. It is dedicated to Archduke Johann (1782-1859), who initiated numerous positive developments in Styria. The fountain features a statue of the Habsburg surrounded by four female figures symbolising the rivers Mur, Enns, Drava and Sann, which once flowed through the region.

Markets and Events

Today, the Hauptplatz remains a lively hub, hosting markets and various events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy browsing market stalls offering local delicacies such as hot franks, dairy products, fruits, ice cream, and pumpkin seed oil.

During the Christmas season, the square transforms into a magical setting with a Christmas market and an advent train offering a fun and comfortable ride through the historic city centre. In the warmer months, the wide-open space in front of the town hall provides room for various events and promotions, with colourful façades illuminated by warm, indirect lighting at night.

Schlossberg: A large hill with a clock tower, a funicular railway, and a café

Schlossberg, a large hill in the centre of Graz, Austria, is a must-see attraction. At 473 metres (1,552 ft) above sea level, it offers extensive views of the city and is a great spot to visit for those who enjoy walking and soaking in stunning views. The site of a fortress since at least the 10th century, the hill now houses a public park, several entertainment venues, cafes and restaurants.

The Schlossberg funicular, in operation since 1894, is a cable funicular railway that takes visitors up and down the hill in just a minute and a half. The funicular runs on a 61% gradient and offers wonderful views of Graz. The Schlossbergbahn cabins carry visitors up to the hill, from where they can explore the paths that wind around it. For the adventurous, the Kriegssteig, a staircase that zig-zags down the cliff face to the Schlossbergplatz, offers a spectacular descent.

At the top of the hill is the Uhrturm, a giant clock tower and a recognisable icon for the city. The clock's hands have opposite roles, with the larger one marking hours and the smaller one marking minutes. The Glockenturm, another tower on the hill, houses Liesl, the heaviest bell in Graz.

Near the Uhrturm is a cafe with views over the old town. Additionally, there are two small cafes on the western side of the Schlossberg, one with table service and the other with self-service. There is also a hilltop restaurant near the terminus of the funicular railway, offering views of western Graz.

Below the Schlossberg hill is an extensive system of tunnels, created during World War II to protect civilians from aerial bombing. Some of these tunnels, including a passage from Schlossbergplatz to Karmeliterplatz, are still accessible.

The Schlossberg is also home to the Kasemattenbühne, an open-air stage for concerts and performances. It has a retractable roof and can accommodate up to 1310 people, making it one of the most popular venues in Graz.

St. Giles Cathedral: A Gothic cathedral with a Baroque interior, and a fresco on its exterior wall

Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is a must-see destination, boasting well-preserved UNESCO-listed sites, a thriving culinary scene, and the title of a UNESCO City of Design. When in Graz, a visit to St. Giles Cathedral is a must. Here's everything you need to know about this stunning cathedral:

St. Giles Cathedral: An Architectural Marvel

St. Giles Cathedral, also known as Graz Cathedral (German: Grazer Dom), is dedicated to Saint Giles and serves as the cathedral church in Graz, Austria. Located in the Innere Stadt district, it has been the seat of the bishop of the Steiermark diocese, known as the Diocese of Graz-Seckau, since 1786. The cathedral stands as a beautiful fusion of Gothic architecture and Baroque alterations, offering a unique aesthetic experience.

A Cathedral with a Rich History

St. Giles Cathedral was built as the church of the Court (hofkirche) between 1438 and 1642 by Friederick III, featuring the distinctive Gothic style of the time. However, it later underwent alterations when the Jesuits officiated it from 1577 to 1773, adding their Baroque style touches. This blend of architectural styles makes it a unique and fascinating structure.

Exploring the Cathedral's Interior and Exterior

Stepping inside St. Giles Cathedral, one is struck by the Baroque influences introduced by the Jesuits. The intricate details and ornate decorations of the Baroque style complement the Gothic structure, creating a harmonious and visually captivating space.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, which is definitely worth a visit. Additionally, a fresco adorns the exterior wall of the cathedral, adding a touch of artistic expression to the overall experience.

A Cathedral in the Heart of Graz

St. Giles Cathedral is conveniently located in the heart of Graz, with the address Bürgergasse 1, 8010 Graz, Austria. This puts it within easy reach of other notable landmarks, making it an ideal stop on your exploration of the city.

In conclusion, St. Giles Cathedral stands as a testament to Graz's rich historical and architectural heritage. Its Gothic structure, Baroque alterations, and proximity to other significant sites make it a must-see destination when exploring all that Graz has to offer. Be sure to include this cathedral on your itinerary to gain a deeper understanding of the city's cultural and artistic significance.

Landeszeughaus: The world's largest historic armoury, with 32,000 weapons and armour

The Styrian Armory, housed in the Landeszeughaus, is a must-see for anyone visiting Graz. It is the world's largest historic armoury, with an incredible 32,000 pieces of weaponry and armour on display, dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The armoury is part of the Universalmuseum Joanneum, a multidisciplinary museum boasting 4.5 million items across 12 locations in Graz. The Styrian Armory is one of the most popular museums in the collection.

The armoury was built between 1642 and 1645 and was on the front lines of Austria's battles with the Ottoman Empire and Hungarian rebels. The armoury is arranged to resemble a 17th-century arsenal, with four floors of exhibitions.

The first floor displays cannons, mortars, and muskets from the 16th to 18th centuries. The second floor showcases helmets, suits of armour, and pistols. The third floor exhibits more armour, including German-made armour and equestrian armour for nobles. Finally, the fourth floor presents staff weapons such as morning stars, halberds, and pikes, as well as swords and sabres used by horsemen.

The Styrian Armory is a fascinating glimpse into the past and a must-see for anyone interested in history, weaponry, or armour.

Schloss Eggenberg: A Baroque palace with four towers, state apartments, and a large garden

Schloss Eggenberg is a magnificent Baroque palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Graz, Austria. It is situated at an elevation of 381 metres on the western edge of the city and can be reached by tram. The palace has a huge portal facing west and is surrounded by walls. Its architectural design and the imprint of centuries of history bear witness to the patronage of the once-mighty House of Eggenberg, the most powerful dynasty in Styria.

The State Apartments

Schloss Eggenberg's state apartments are a true highlight. The 24 state rooms are arranged in a ring shape, symbolising the hours in a day. The rooms are adorned with Baroque and Rococo furnishings, creating a precious ensemble of outstanding value. The highlight of the state rooms is the Planetary Room, which serves as both the beginning and end of the ring of state rooms. The room features a cycle of oil paintings by Hans Adam Weissenkircher, displaying the four elements, the 12 signs of the Western zodiac, and the seven classical planets known to antiquity.

The Gardens

The extensive scenic gardens of Schloss Eggenberg are also well worth exploring. The original Baroque formal garden was transformed into a romantic English-style garden in the 19th century. Today, the park features winding pathways, artificial vistas, and a restored Rose Mound, making it a unique "oasis of deceleration".

The Museums

In addition to the state rooms and gardens, Schloss Eggenberg is also home to several museums. The Alte Galerie, located on the upper level of the palace, houses a large array of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art from the medieval era through to the early modern period. The Archaeology Museum showcases archaeological gems from Styria, including the Cult Wagon of Strettweg and the Mask of Kleinklein. The Coin Cabinet, located on the ground level, features a numismatic collection in the former rooms of Balthasar Eggenberger, owner of the imperial minting license in the Late Middle Ages.

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