Ruqayyah Snyder
Graz is the second-largest city in Austria and the capital of the federal state of Styria (Steiermark in German). The city is situated on the River Mur in southeastern Austria and is known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural significance. With a population of around 300,000 people, Graz is a bustling university town and a major hub for industry, tourism, and creative endeavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Austria |
| Federal State | Steiermark (Styria) |
| Population | 244,537 (2006) / 300,000 (approx.) |
| River | Mur |
| Nearest Larger Urban Centre | Maribor (Marburg), Slovenia |
| Distance from Vienna | 93-95 miles (150-155 km) southwest |
| Elevation of City Centre | 353 m (1,158 ft) |
| Highest Point | Plabutsch Mountain (754 m/2,474 ft) |
| Mountain | Schöckl |
| University Town | Yes |
| UNESCO City of Design | Yes |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Graz is the capital of Styria, a federal state in southeastern Austria
Graz is a city in southeastern Austria, situated on both sides of the River Mur. With a population of around 300,000, it is the country's second-largest city. The city is known for its universities, ironworks, steelworks, breweries, and railway workshops.
Graz is the capital of Styria, a federal state in Austria. The name 'Styria' comes from the duchy of Steiermark, which dates back to 1180. Steiermark became a Bundesland (federal state) in the 13th century, and most of the area was ceded to the Habsburgs in 1276. Styria has a rich history, having been ruled by various branches of the Habsburgs and influenced by neighbouring regions, including Italy and the Balkan States.
The historic centre of Graz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its exceptional townscape influenced by various architectural styles and artistic movements. The city's design and planning in the 16th century were largely controlled by Italian Renaissance architects and artists. Notable buildings in the old town include the Renaissance Landhaus, the armoury, the town hall, the Burg castle complex, and St. Aegidius Cathedral.
Graz has a lively cultural scene, with numerous museums, universities, and innovative companies. The city is easily accessible by public transport, including buses, trams, and trains, and is well-connected to other cities in Austria and neighbouring countries.
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The city is situated on both sides of the River Mur
Graz is a city in southeastern Austria, situated on both sides of the River Mur. The river rises in the Hohe Tauern National Park in the Central Eastern Alps and is a tributary of the Drava and the Danube. The Mur's total length is around 464 kilometres, with about 326 kilometres flowing through Austria, 95 kilometres through Slovenia, and the rest forming the border between Croatia and Hungary.
Graz is the largest city on the river and is the capital of the federal state of Styria, also known as Steiermark. The river flows through the centre of the city, passing underneath the Schlossberg, the site of a demolished fortress, and by the historic Inner City. As a result of being the European Capital of Culture in 2003, an artificial island called the Murinsel was constructed in the middle of the river. This island, designed by US-American artist Vito Acconci, serves as a link between the river and the city, providing a unique perspective of Graz.
The River Mur has a significant impact on the city's history and development. In the past, the river was heavily polluted by sewage water, industrial effluent, and paper mills along its shores. However, since the 1980s, the water quality has improved, and the river is now considered an asset to Graz. The river's clean water and pleasant surroundings have enhanced the city's appeal, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The source of the River Mur, known as Murursprung, is located at an altitude of 1,898 meters in Muhrtal, SalzburgerLand. Hiking to the source is a popular activity, offering easy to medium terrain and scenic views of the Austrian Alps. The hike can be completed via various routes, ranging from short to long, that take hikers through gravel roads, trails, and valleys, eventually leading to the trickle of water that becomes the 200-mile-long river.
Graz's location on both sides of the River Mur contributes to its cultural significance, as the city has absorbed influences from neighbouring regions, resulting in a unique townscape. The historic centre of Graz, including the Schlossberg and the Murinsel, is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the exceptional blend of architectural styles and artistic movements from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
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Graz is Austria's second-largest city
Graz has a rich history, dating back to the 9th century when a fortress was likely built on the Schlossberg ("Castle Hill"). The name Graz is derived from the Slavic word "gradec", meaning "small fortress". The city received town rights around 1240 and became the centre of Styria during the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, it became the residence of the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs, who ruled from Schlossberg castle. The city's design and planning in the 16th century were influenced by Italian Renaissance architects and artists, and many notable buildings from this period remain today.
Graz's historic centre consists of over 1,000 buildings, ranging in style from Gothic to contemporary. Notable buildings include the Renaissance Landhaus, the armoury, the town hall, the 11th-century castle, St. Aegidius Cathedral, and the mausoleum of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II. The old town and the castle of Eggenberg are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bearing witness to the living heritage of a central European urban complex influenced by the Habsburgs and the artistic and aristocratic families of the time.
Today, Graz is a vibrant university town with approximately 61,000 students. It is also a City of Human Rights and has received the Europeprize. The city has a strong creative scene and is known for its innovative and design-focused companies. Graz was named a UNESCO City of Design in 2011, recognising its commitment to design as a pivotal value in urban and sustainable culture. The city is easily navigable by public transport, with buses, trams, and trains connecting it to other parts of Austria and nearby countries.
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It is a university town with around 61,000 students
Graz is a university town with around 61,000 students. The University of Graz, also known as Graz University or Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, was founded in 1585 by Archduke Karl II and is the city's oldest university. For most of its existence, it was controlled by the Catholic Church. However, in 1782, Joseph II closed the university in an attempt to gain state control over educational institutions. He transformed it into a lyceum where civil servants and medical personnel were trained. Today, Graz is home to several universities, including Graz University, Graz Technical University, and the University of Music and Dramatic Arts.
Graz's notable educational institutions and approximately 61,000 students contribute to the city's lively pace. The city's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts fine architecture, including the Burg castle complex with its Gothic double helix staircase and the Uhrturm clock tower, a symbol of Graz. The city's design and planning in the 16th century were primarily influenced by Italian Renaissance architects and artists.
The presence of universities and students in Graz also contributes to its cultural offerings. The city is known for its museums, such as the Joanneum Provincial Museum, which was founded in 1811 by Archduke Johann and features historical and art collections. Graz's creative scene and internationally renowned educational institutions led to its designation as a UNESCO City of Design in 2011. This recognition has been a crucial milestone for the city's future development, fostering an ideal climate for design and creativity.
The student population in Graz enjoys a well-connected city with various transportation options. Graz has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains, making it easy to navigate the city and explore other nearby destinations. The city's active trade in cereal grains, fruit, and wine from the surrounding hills also adds to its appeal as a university town.
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Graz has a rich history, with buildings from the Gothic period to the present day
Graz, the capital of Styria and the largest city in the federal state, is situated in southeast Austria on both sides of the River Mur. The city's rich history is reflected in its architectural styles, which range from Gothic to contemporary.
Graz's historic centre consists of over 1,000 buildings, including the Town Hall (Rathaus) and the Castle Hill (Schlossberg), a site of a demolished fortress, with the Clock Tower (Uhrturm) at its top. The Clock Tower, built in the mid-16th century, is a symbol of Graz. The original Gothic tower was redesigned in a more contemporary Renaissance style, with three coats of arms adorning its walls and a steep overhanging roof.
The Landhaus, built by Italian architect Domenico dell'Allio between 1557 and 1565, is another notable Renaissance structure. It served as the governmental headquarters of the local rulers and is considered one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Austria. The University of Graz, founded in 1585, is the city's oldest university.
The Eggenberg Palace (Schloss Eggenberg), a Baroque palace on the western edge of Graz, is another significant structure. It was built after 1625 for Duke Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, one of the most notable political figures of the 18th century in Austria. The palace showcases the influences of late Italian Renaissance and Baroque art. The palace, along with the historic centre of Graz, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, recognising the exceptional blend of architectural styles and artistic movements from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
Graz also boasts the Opera House (Opernhaus), the second-largest opera house in Austria, and the Theatre (Schauspielhaus), the city's primary venue for plays. The Cathedral (Dom) is a rare monument of Gothic architecture, featuring the oldest painted view of Graz, known as the Landplagenbild ("picture of plagues"), painted in 1485. The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, located next to the cathedral, is another important structure, exemplifying the transition from Renaissance to Baroque styles in the 17th century.
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Frequently asked questions
Graz is the capital of the federal state of Styria, also known as Steiermark.
Graz is known for its historical architecture, including the Renaissance Landhaus, the 11th-century castle with a Gothic double-helix staircase, and the Uhrturm clock tower. It is also a university town and a City of Human Rights.
Graz is situated on both sides of the River Mur in southeast Austria.
Graz has a lot of museums, art galleries, and historical buildings to visit. It is also known for its thermal springs and surrounding countryside.
![Styria Cut into Pieces, Two Memorials by Dr. Arnold Luschin-Ebengreuth ... With 1 Map. 1921 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
