The historic city of Graz is the second largest city (estimated population 300,000) in the Republic of Austria and the capital of the Federal State of Styria. It is located in the south-central regions of the state, approximately 200 kilometres south of Vienna and stands on the banks of the Mur River. Historically its position places it at the crossroads of cultures whose influence can be seen in the many and varied buildings that exist within the city, making this a veritable showcase for those interested in structures. The ‘Old Town’ of Graz, which can be easily explore on foot, is one of the best preserved city centres in Central Europe and has been designated as a U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site. This historical centre lies beneath the towering 475 metre high Schlossberg upon which the original fortress stood and now only retains the famous Clock Tower which is the symbol of the city. Originally built in the 13th century as a watch tower, it was changed to a clock tower in the 16th century and saved from destruction by the French through the payment of a ransom by the people of the town. Amongst the 1000 buildings that comprise the ‘Old Town’ are architectural styles from Gothic to Contemporary with influences from Italy, Central Europe and the Balkan States!!
Originally Graz was established with the building of a small fort on the Schlossberg, which, due to its strategic position was later strengthened and enlarged, eventually becoming by the 12th century a heavily defended fortification and an important commercial centre under the rule of the Dukes of Babenberg. By the 16th century a change in the Hapsburg family resulted in Graz becoming home to Archduke Karl II who turned the city into the capital of this southern region called Inner Austria. At this time the defences of the city were strengthened and the first university was built, the influence of which has resulted in the city remaining a university town to this day, having now four universities and a student population in excess 37,000. It is from this period in the history of the ‘Old Town’ that the surviving lanes and streets with their narrow gabled roofed houses and arcaded courtyards bear witness to the long standing cultural pre-eminence of a city which favored and supported an artistic, educated and cultured way of life.
The ‘Old Town’ is centered around the Hauptplatz (Main Square) which probably dates to the 12th century. The buildings around the square date from the Middle Ages and received their present form in the 17th and 18th century. The square is home to the Town Hall and a commemorative fountain for Archduke Johann, brother of Emperor Franz Joseph. Notable attractions in Graz include the Renaissance style Landhaus which still houses the Provincial Parliament of Styria, the Graz Castle usually called the Burg, which although not open to the public contains the unusual double spiral staircase which visitors are allowed to see, the Domkirche or Graz Cathedral which stands adjacent to the Baroque Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II with its elliptical dome, the Landeszeughaus Museum famous for its huge collection of armory consisting of 32,000 pieces over 5 floors, the Mariahilferkirche with its tall towers and domed roofs and in the Glockenspielplatz is the Graz carillon which chimes three times each day and is well worth a look and a listen!! For more contemporary structures check out the Island in the Mur (Murinsel) and the Kunsthaus, the new contemporary art museum, which is locally known as the ‘friendly alien’!! Just out of town is the Schloss Eggenberg with its early Baroque architecture, lavish state rooms and dramatic wall and ceiling paintings.
Although Graz is a major historic attraction the city is an upbeat, busy and vibrant centre driven by the large number of students attending the universities. This has created a lively town with a decent night life, an abundance of cafes and restaurants, raging discos and quiet wine bars, it’s all here if you look hard enough – have fun!!
By the way Graz is also well known for being the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger, although in actual fact he was born in Thal which is a small village that stands about 3 kilometres from the city.
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