Austria's medieval gem...
The city of Graz is the provincial capital of Styria. The colours of
this pleasant medieval town will immediately strike the visitor: Green
parks, red roofs, and the blue River Mur. Dominated by the Schlossberg,
which rises up over the town centre, Graz has a great deal to offer
and is a good start-off point for day excursions to a number of different
destinations.
A 30-minute walk through the park and a climb up to the Schlossberg
will reward you with fantastic views. Alternatively, take the little
railway that runs every 15 minutes. At the summit, there is an open-air
theatre, a small military museum and a 16th-century bell tower, which
was once part of the now-demolished castle. Among the city’s other
buildings of interest, the 16th-century Renaissance-style Rathaus in
the Hauptplatz, is worth a look, with its fountain surrounded by four
female figures representing the four main rivers of the region. Check
out the interior of the 15th-century, late-Gothic cathedral, the Domkirche,
with its combination of Gothic and Baroque elements, and its reticulated,
vaulted ceiling and side altars. On the exterior wall there is a faded
fresco depicting life during the plagues of 1480. Next door, the mausoleum
of Ferdinand II is a splendid sight. Inside, take a look at Johann Bernhard
Fisher von Erlach’s exuberant stucco work and frescoes, and gaze
up through a hole in the dome of the crypt to the larger dome above.
The Landeszeughaus (provincial armory) houses an astonishing display
of armour and weapons, mostly dating from the 17th century, and should
not be missed. From the fourth-floor window, take in the view of the
Italian Renaissance courtyard of the neighbouring Landhaus and the stunning
Schlossberg rising up beyond. An absolute must see is the Baroque palace,
Schloss Eggenberg, which is dominated by themes and symbols from astronomy.
There are 365 windows and 24 state rooms, a Planet Hall with frescoes
showing the seven planets and 12 signs of the zodiac. Mythological,
classical and contemporary scenes can be seen in other parts of the
palace. There is also a coin museum and an archaeological museum. The
city offers a wide choice of theatre and opera, cinema, music, exhibitions
and art installations which are held at many different locations around
the town. Soak up the atmosphere at some good bars and dine in Graz’s
excellent cafes and restaurants.
Attractions :
Graz has many tales to tell. To start with, the tale of its history
which starts some 900 years ago and which tells of the city in its heyday
as the residence of the Habsburg monarchy in medieval and Renaissance
times. The Old Town is one of the best-preserved in Central Europe,
bespeaking the wealth of heritage dating back to this period. And then
the tale of romance: courtyards tucked away in the city centre, Renaissance
buildings, a Mediterranean feel and a lot of love. And finally a tale
of contrasts: classical music and jazz, tradition and modernism, literature,
festivals such as styriarte and steirischer herbst. Indeed, Graz has
many tales to tell.
Schlossberg
This green hill rises up 473 m above the unique red-tile roofscape of
Graz. At one time the Schlossberg housed a fortress of which only little
remains today. Mere remnants such as the casemates which are today a
beautifully restored open-air stage.(Many routes to the top. The casual
alternative: the Schlossbergbahn)
Clock Tower
A highlight of any Schlossberg tour and the symbol of the city is the
Clock tower. Its heart has been beating for Graz since 1712 - with the
original works and one of the oldest bells in the province (1382). The
tower with ist characteristic wooden wall-passage is not only twined
around with ivy, but also numerous love stories. And talking of symbols:
a lot of people from Graz have their first kiss here.
Schlossbergbahn
The Schlossbergbahn has been carrying passengers up the 61 % gradient
to the top of the Schlossberg since 1894. And for the trip back down,
we highly recommend the steps of the Kriegssteig hewn in stone during
World War II that lead down to the pitcuresque Schlossbergplatz.
Provincial Armoury
A real piece de resistance next to the Landhaus in Graz. Since 1551
all manner of weaponry has been collected and preserved in the Provincial
Armoury. Today the Landhaus boasts the world's largest collection of
historical arms. 30,000 exhibits are proof positive.
Landhaus
Graz is a city of the Italian Renaissance, the arcaded courtyard of
the Landhaus is the icing on the cake. The house and its courtyard,
a work of art of the fortress builder Domenico dell' Allio dating back
to the 16th century, form the backdrop for many an atmospheric concert
and open-air performance.
Town Hall
Located on the south edge of the main square with its numerous market
stalls. In actual fact, it is the third town hall to stand exactly on
this spot. At the centre of the main square stands the Archduke Johann
fountain, in commemoration of the "Styrian Prince", founder
of the provincial museum Joanneum which was to give rise to the University
of Technology.
Luegg
The peculiar name of this house on the corner of the main square and
Sporgasse comes from the German phrase "ums Eck lugen" (peering
round the corner). The Luegg with its lavish Baroque stucco decoration
has been the starting point for much hustle and bustle ever since the
13th century. So our modern-day "shopping mile" in Graz is
older than you might think.
Sackstraße
You won't have to "sack" the town to buy the most wonderful
antiques in shops along the Sackstrasse. At the corner to the Schlossbergplatz
is located the beautiful Palais Attems, a Baroque jewel housing the
offices of the avantgard festival "steirischer Herbst" and
the music "styriarte". And directly opposite is the Schlossbergstiege
leading up to the clock tower via the Herberstein garden.
Sporgasse
The Sporgasse is of the most romantic streets in the whole city, winding
its way up the Schlossberg, narrow and steep. A sight worth seeing is
the idyllic courtyard of the house of the Teutonic Order of Knights
at number 22 paved with stones from the river Mur, the socalled "Murnockerln".
Palais Saurau
Keen eyes will discover a Turkish warrior just below the cornice of
the Palais Saurau.
Hofgasse
The 100- year- old carved portal of the court bakery Edegger in the
Hofgasse decorated with marquetry is a special gem of Graz. Since 1569
the family business has been opening up the delicacies of Styrian baking
tradition to all visitors to the city.
Glockenspielplatz
The Glockenspielplatz: Stop by at 11 am, 3 pm or 6 pm - it is well worth
it. Two sides of a window open up and out come a wood-carved couple
in traditional costume, turning to the sound of the chimes. They have
been doing their rounds for almost 100 years now, never a minute too
late.
Cathedral and mausoleum
The Gothic cathedral was built by Emperor Friedrich III from 1438 as
a city parish and court church. The architect Pietro de Pomis designed
the mausoleum by order of Emperor Ferdinand II from 1614. Together with
the Burg, Schauspielhaus and the old Jesuit university, it forms the
so-called "city crown of Graz". Tip: Take a look inside the
cathedral!
Burg
The impressive Burg houses the seat of the Styrian provincial government.
Here, you can marvel at the famed late Gothic double spiral staircase
dating back to 1499. When the sun shines through the the windows the
sandstone shines in many colours
Opera house
The Opera house was built in 1898/1899 after the plans of Europes most
renowned theatre architects Fellner and Helmer. Modernism and tradition
are combined in an impressive manner: initially a bone of contention,
Hartmut Skerbischs "light-sword" has now come to be a symbol
for cosmopolitan attidudes.
Farmer´s markets
In view of the fact that the "fruit and veg garden of Styria"
starts just outside Graz, it is hardly surprising that the Farmer´s
markets are characteristic of the city. And always worth a visit: the
Farmer´s markets at Kaiser- Josef- Platz and Lendplatz. Here,
you will be buying Styrian specialitiers like the renowned pumpkin seed
oil or Käferbohnen.
University
Graz has been an important university city of international repute since
1585. (Studying at the only faculty of jazz in all Europe is in great
demand). More than 40,000 students guarantee that the night life in
Graz will stand up to closer examination.
Palm house
The Palm house is a blossoming example of modern architecture, designed
by Volker Giencke, a representative of the Grazer Schule.
Eggenberg Castle
A different view for every day of the year: 365 windows! Construction
of the biggest, most luscious stately home in the province was commenced
in 1625 after the style of mannerism. Inside, you will be enthralled
by the Baroque and Rococo. Today, the ch?teau Eggenberg is a venue for
numerous music events. The enormous park is just the job for a game
of hide- and- seek.
Guided tours
For all those who are just a little time in Graz but wants to know all
about this nice city, there are guided tours:
1.4. ? 31.10. daily at 2.30 pm ,
1.11. ? 31.3. every saturday at 2.30 pm.
Embassy :
- Belgium Keplerstr. 105, 8020 Graz
Phone: +43/316/70 70-14
- Brazil Glacisstr. 67, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/82 11 65
- Croatia Joanneumring 18/3, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/33 82 50
- Denmark Hotel Weitzer
Grieskai 12-14, 8011 Graz
Phone: +43/316/703-0
- Finland Waagner-Biro-Str. 39-41, 8020 Graz
Phone: +43/316/509-0
- France Gro? St. Florian
Petzelsdorf 63
Phone: +43/3464/22 34
- Germany Statteggerstr. 18, 8045 Graz
Maschinenfabrik Andritz - office
Phone: +43/316/69 49 70
- Great Britain Schmiedgasse 10, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/82 61 05
- Hungary Conrad-von H?tzendorfstr. 160, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/47 22 12-13
- Italy Conrad-von-H?tzendorf-Str. 8, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/81 79 17
- Norway Amundseng. 9, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/32 50 73-0
- Poland Joanneumring 18/3, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/33 82 51
Fax: +43/316/33 82 51-15
- Republic of Yugoslavia SFR Yugoslavia
Hilmteichstr. 10, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/32 31 80-0
- Slovenia Stempferg. 3, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/82 19 62
- South Africa Villefortgasse 13/II, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/509-210
- Sweden Lazarettg?rtel 55, 8010 Graz
Phone: +43/316/71 15 80-12
- The Netherlands Lastenstr. 11, 8020 Graz
Phone: +43/316/71 15 65
Climate :
Temperatures: day: night:
Spring 14°C 5°C
Summer 24°C 13°C
Autumn 15°C 7°C
Winter 3°C -3°C