Sights & Landmarks In Graz

Graz is a historic city and the capital of the Styria region of Austria. In the twelfth century, Graz was an opulent home of the Habsburg family. The history of the dynasty is still being witnessed in the city’s Old City, a highly maintained historical area. Moreover, you will see that the buildings and inner yards are furnished in the spectacular Renaissance style. Operating since 1894 is the Schlossberg cableway. Situated 473 metres above sea level, the verdant mountain of the same name attracts tourists. Operating at a 61% inclination is the cableway. There will be ruins of an old watchtower visible when you get to the top.

The centre point of Graz is a church situated in the middle of the main plaza. Among the oldest chimes in the country and an authentic clock mechanism are features of the chapel. There’s a riveting show in Glockenspielplatz, a bell-tinkling-themed square, from 11 a.m. and 3 and 6 p.m. When the bells start to ring, little doors on the building’s pediment open to show moving mechanical figurines of a boy and a girl dressed in national costumes. Then these characters perform. This habit has been followed for over a century.

An iconic sight in the city is the Armor Chamber, sometimes known as Arsenal. It lies near to Landhaus, a magnificent example of Domenico dell’Allio’s castle construction. The building functions as a museum displaying the largest collection of historical weapons.

The most important architectural masterpiece in Graz is generally considered to be the Town Hall building. Built in 1803, the building was opulent representation of the classical architecture. You really should go to the neighboring market after taking in the town hall’s breathtaking beauty. One may buy an interesting collection of national goods and souvenirs. At national holidays, the square in front of the town hall hosts a wide range of fascinating and exciting activities. In addition, Christmas Eve sees a magnificent fair conducted here.

Among the several magnificent fortifications in the city, Schlossberg is the most well-known. On an elevation is the citadel. This remarkable institution, founded in the twelfth century, has withstood many efforts by its enemies to take it. Now people may walk the whole length of the old stronghold. Many large spaces offer an amazing vista of the city.

Among Graz’s most popular and interesting cultural institutions is the 2003-founded Kunsthaus Museum. The art museum is housed in a unique futuristic building whose general design is evocative of a whale. The museum has always focused only on temporary exhibitions. There is no ongoing display there. Apart from holding art exhibitions, the location hosts activities devoted specifically to the fields of design, photography, and film.

One of the most unusual institutions in the world is the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum, which is located in the city. In the little historic village was born a well-known actor and athlete. In the same house where Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up, sits the museum. Exhibits in the collection are varied widely. On show here are sporting equipment he used for bodybuilding as a youngster and vintage posters from his early flicks. Visitors to the museum may take pictures with a life-like Terminator figure.

The magnificent 15th-century architectural wonder that is St. Giles’ Cathedral is among the oldest buildings in the city. There was a long time when the Jesuit Order owned the church. The main feature of it is this opulent interior decorating. Early in the 20th century, a major rebuilding of the cathedral led to its interior restoration. Ever since then, it has not changed.

Museums In Graz

Archduke Johann is honored with the name of the second-largest and oldest museum in Austria, the Universalmuseum Joanneum in Styria. With a concentration on the natural sciences and technology, its main goal is to encourage inquiry and learning among guests. Within the museum are the New Gallery, which exhibits fine art from the 19th century to the present, and the Old Gallery, which has a collection of European art from the Romanesque to the Renaissance. Another important cultural treasure in Styria is the baroque structure known as Eggenberg Castle. Notable institutions include also the Kunsthaus, the Paulustorgasse folklore museum, and the State Armory, which has the biggest collection of historical weapons in the world.

Landeszeughaus – Built between 1642 and 1647, the Landesarsenal in Graz was the main weapon storage facility in Styria. With 16,000 people capacity, Anton Solar designed it. The arsenal was closed in 1749 when a solid boundary with the Ottoman Empire was established. It was included in 1892 to the Universalmuseum Joanneum. World War II saw the museum evacuated and the weapons moved to remote Styrian castles. Reopened in 1946, the armory had major renovations in 2013. Within the armory are over 32,000 exhibits including armor, helmets, ring armor, shields, sharpened weapons, pole weapons, rifles, pistols, and a range of weapon accessories.
Kunsthaus Graz – Part of the Joanneum Universal Museum, Kunsthaus Graz was built in 2003 as a major contribution to Graz’s year as Capital of Culture. A component of the Joanneum Universal Museum’s exhibition schedule, “Friendly Alien” highlights modern art over the last 50 years. Though its distinctive pneumatic appearance classifies the building as glob architecture, the structure is breached. International exhibits of contemporary, modern, and multidisciplinary art from the 1960s to the present are held at the Kunsthaus Graz.
Frida & Fred (Children’s museum) – Open to kids aged three to twelve, Frida & Fred is a children’s museum housed in Graz Augarten. Built in 2003, it offers interactive activities and displays under the tagline “Hands On – Minds On.” As a member of Hands On Europe, the museum hosts yearly exhibitions, conferences, and kid’s theatrical productions. Since 2010 the curriculum has included a laboratory with a focus on subjects like water, optics, medicine, energy, food, aviation, and genetics. At the museum are also held workshops, holiday activities, and the yearly summer academy.
Natural History Museum – Accompanying the Universalmuseum Joanneum, the Natural History Museum in Graz was established in 2013. Objects from botany, geology, paleontology, minerals, and zoology are among the permanent collections on exhibit. The natural history collections started in 1811 by Archduke Johann served as the basis for the museum. Lesliehof, the main building, houses collections and is used as a teaching centre. Redesigned in the 1990s, the Joanneumsviertel building project was finished between 2010 and 2013.
Styrian Folklore Museum – Small but focused on Styria’s native culture is the Styrian Folklore Museum in Graz. It was founded in 1913 and has a wide range of displays. Geramb’s idea was to incorporate the displays into a limited setting to produce masterpieces in each room. 1989 saw the museum close in order to undergo repairs; but, due to budgetary constraints, work did not start until May 2003. In three main categories—home, clothing, and religion—the museum presents Styrian folk culture.
Austrian Open-Air Museum Stübing – Austrians’ ancient agrarian culture is preserved and disseminated through the well-known Stübing outdoor museum. The 65 hectare museum spans the Enzenbach valley and houses 103 items, including agricultural, commercial, crafts, and religious buildings. Six centuries of real historical buildings as well as reproductions and reconstructions are included in the collection. The oldest still standing building is a granary next to Großstübing, dating back to 1452. Historically significant picture resources, customs, and descriptions often direct the museum’s painstaking measuring, dismantling, and rebuilding procedure.
Johann Puch Museum Graz – The private Johann Puch Museum in Graz, Styria, shows how mobility has developed over the last century from bicycles to cars. Beginning with the invention of early bicycles, the museum—which has been open since 2012—offers displays that provide a thorough summary of the history of local mobility. A mosaic of interests, the museum honors Johann Puch and features a wide range of bicycles, mopeds, and scooters. Sport bikes owned by Franz Tantscher both before and after World War II are included in the collection.
Graz Tramway Museum – Located at the Graz Linien-operated Mariatrost terminal of tram line 1, is the Graz Tramway Museum. About thirty decommissioned tram cars from Vienna and Graz are housed there with the aim of conserving tram heritage and passing it on to next generations. First on exhibit at the museum, which opened in 1971, were the 191 B and 60B sidecars. Ever since moving to Mariatross in 1980, the museum has planned a number of unique events. The museum has garnered tourists every year since the 1990s when horse-driven trolleys were introduced. The museum will celebrate its fifty years in 2021.
Museum Of Perception – A wide range of works that explore perception are housed in the 1996-founded Museum of Perception (MUWA) in Graz. These pieces are from literature, philosophy, architecture, music, and art among other fields. The museum is housed in the old dropper pool municipal public bath on Friedrichgasse. The drip reservoir was built in 1904 and opened in 1905 thanks to the design of the municipal building department. Together with the Federal Monuments Office, architect Kocher renovated and converted the museum in 1996. Situated atop an amazing building that was extended in 1999 as part of the EU project Elmas, lies the museum. One restored smaller tub is in the basement.
Graz Diocese Museum – Graz Diocese Museum was established in 1932 by art expert Johannes Mandl and Prince Bishop Ferdinand Stanislaus Pawlikowski. It is the Styrian Catholic Church museum and the diocesan conservatory for the preservation of ecclesiastical monuments in Styria. Including three shrines, it is housed within Graz Cathedral. Set up in 1932. 1938 saw the museum’s closure; after repairs, it reopened in 1948. It moved to the Minorite Monastery in Graz in 1974 and is now a seminary housed in the old Jesuit college.
Stadtmuseum Graz – The Graz Museum, originally Stadtmuseum Graz, is an Austrian cultural-historical museum situated in Graz. Founded in 1928, it specializes on the history of the city and provides a thorough analysis of its social, political, and economic facets. The museum is housed in Franz Ferdinand von Österreich-Este’s birthplace, the Palais Khuenburg, a baroque building. 2005 saw the separation of the museum from the municipal government and the founding of the Stadtmuseum Graz GmbH. The museum, which has gained acclaim both locally and abroad, has won the European Museum of the Year Award in 2014 and the Styrian Architecture Prize in 2021.
Hans Gross Museum of Criminology – Mostly composed of “corpora delicti,” the “Criminal Museum at the Regional Court for Criminal Matters” in Graz was founded in 1895 by attorney Hans Gross. The goal of this collection was to offer the chance for training with items from well-documented criminal cases to students, lawyers, and investigators. The fundus included blood remnants, weapons, missiles, poisons, preparations from animals and humans. This is the first time the collection is available in a virtual setting. The crime scene case is one noteworthy tool that Gross used to carry out thorough investigations at crime scenes.
Austrian Aviation Museum – Wilhelm König and Josef Gaisbacher established the privately held Austrian Aviation Museum in 1979 at Graz-Thalerhof Airport. Showing aircraft from several periods and classifications is its main goal, with a concentration on Austrian aviation. At first located in the airport’s northern and southern sections, the museum includes a hangar, a little store, and an outdoor space. With time, the museum has amassed a collection that includes two helicopters, thirteen jet aircraft, propeller planes, gliders, turbines, uniforms, ejection seats, a flight simulator, models, an apron bus, and aircraft tractors.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum – Located in Thal, close to Graz, where Arnold Schwarzenegger was born, is the official and exclusive museum bearing his name. Distinguished actor backs it. Since 2011, museumgoers have been able to explore Count Herberstein’s old forester’s lodge and learn about his life and achievements.As his stellar record describes, the exhibition highlights his important life experiences, including his childhood and youth, bodybuilding adventure, film career, and governorship.Enter the world of the fascinating life of Arnold Schwarzenegger and get up close and personal with the Terminator and his contemporaries.
House of Music and Music Theatre (MUMUTH) – Specially built for KUG was the House of Music and Music Theatre (MUMUTH). 2009 saw the first use of it after a three-year development period. Ben van Berkel, a Dutch architect, has an amazing design. It emerged victorious from a global competition. Ingenious uses of steel, concrete, and glass are made in the design to guarantee that they are skillfully stacked and combined. 2010 saw it receive both the Fischer-von-Erlach Prize and the Urban Land Institute Award.
Toy Museum – Tucked away in the quaint old town of Graz is the “Toy-toy-toy” museum. It proudly presents a remarkable private collection of antique toys, ranging from 1860 to 1940. The main focus of the exhibit is on authentically maintained figurines.Apart from that, there is a large display case devoted to presenting a wide range of teddy bears and other wonderful objects. One of the draws is a big doll house with French doll equipment.
Graz Museum Schlossberg – Year-round family-friendly and offering information about the rich history of the city, the Graz Museum Schlossberg is a must-see attraction. It links the GrazMuseum Schlossberg with the GrazMuseum in Sackstraße, therefore creating a link between the hill and the city. The Otto Hochreiter, Martina Zerovnik, and Ingrid Holzschuh-curated museum branch is fully accessible and offers assistance for the blind and visually challenged. The fortifying community of the 16th and 19th centuries served as inspiration for the museum’s design by WG3. Furthermore on display at the museum are the earlier centuries of Schlossberg.
CoSA Center of Science Activities – Inaugurated in the Joanneum quarter in October 2019, CoSA is the Center of Science Activities. Thirteen specially created chambers totaling about 1,200 square meters house the technology and science exhibits. Complementing the displays are engrossing stories. One may have a really unique experience by fusing interactive exhibits with augmented reality. Adult admissions are €17.00; students between the ages of 19 and 26 pay the same. Seven euros are mine. Under 19-year-olds are admitted free of charge.

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Castles In Graz

West of the city sits the much sought-after Eggenberg Castle, which welcomes over a million tourists every year. The most important house in Styria, it was built in the Baroque style in the 17th century. Eggenberg family held it and it was converted into a church in the eighteenth century. Hans Adam Weissenkircher’s paintings and 365 windows, which stand in for each day of the year and zodiac signs, decorate the inside.

Graz Castle – When Archduke Ferdinand II moved to Vienna, Graz Castle—which Duke Frederick V. built in 1438—was neglected and underwent several restorations. The provincial administrator of Styria has lived in the castle since 1922. Following major destruction during World War II, the fortress was restored in 1947. Many departments within the Styrian provincial administration are now housed in the 1950–1952 New Castle. Visitors may now explore the courtyards and double spiral staircase of the castle in a limited area. In the Inner City of Graz stands the fortress.
Eggenberg Castle – In Graz, there lies the largest and most important baroque palace complex in Styria, Austria: Schloss Eggenberg. Its vast landscape garden, preserved original furniture, and treasures of the Universalmuseum Joanneum make it one of the most important cultural assets in the nation. Ancestral home of the Eggenberg aristocratic family is evidence of their assistance and metamorphosis. 2010 saw the palace included into the City of Graz – Historical Center expansion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accessible to tourists are the Old Gallery, state chambers, numismatic collection, planetary garden, and archeological museum.
Episcopal Palace – Within the Inner City of Graz stands the Bishop’s Palace, home of the Episcopal Ordinariate of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau. Founded in 1254, it has seen significant growth and restorations during its existence. The palace was commissioned by Bishop Leopold in the thirteenth century, and since then it has been expanded and renovated several times over. A new chapel and a chapel honoring the Holy Trinity were built in 1927, among other improvements to the building. The neo-baroque wrought iron railings were standardised and reused as part of the Episcopal Palace’s renovation between 1947 and 1950. The structure has changed architecturally throughout time.
Grazer Landhaus – Built between 1527 and 1531, this is Graz’s earliest Renaissance building. Ornate arched windows, roomy arcades, and a three-story arcade atrium are its highlights. The Styrian Parliament now meets in the baroque parlor, which also hosts a range of activities. The Styrian estates purchased a house in 1494; it was further extended in the 16th century. The first wing of the Schmiedgasse of Graz was built between 1500 and 1510. Adjacent buildings were bought and rebuilt between 1527 and 1531. The structure was renovated by Domenico dell’Allio in 1555 after the main wing was built on the Herrengasse side.
Graz City Hall – The official seat of the municipal government, it was built in 1450 and then enlarged in 1869. The building was destroyed in 1803, and in 1807 a classicist one was built in its stead. The Graz citizens chose to keep the recognizable façade of the town hall even though it was extended in 1869 and 1887. Distinguished elements of the main facade include a little corner turret and a central risalit with a cupola. The structure has had two renovations in the last 20 years and has been welcoming to non-heterosexual partners since 2013. The mayor’s office, GR boardroom and municipal council meeting chamber are located on the second and third levels.
Domherrenhof – Located next to sites like the Graz Cathedral, mausoleum, seminary, and castle, the Domherrenhof is a major part of the city’s capital. Constructed in 1576, the canon’s court was governed by the Jesuit college. Renovating the palace in 1762, Regent Franz Schmelter gave it the name Theresianum to honour distinguished intellectuals. At the south-west corner of the tomb forecourt is the dome, which Veit Königer constructed with a late baroque doorway. The house chapel honoring St. Barbara, a sandstone fountain figure, and a quadrangular inner courtyard set the palace apart.
St. Martin Castle – Renaissance château St. Martin Castle, situated in Straßgang, Graz, was built in the early eleventh century. It was first owned by the Aribonen, then passed to the Salzburg Archbishopric and, finally, the Admont Benedictine abbey. The castle was rebuilt in 1557, and in 1638 it had more repairs. The interior of the castle chapel was mostly Joseph Stammel’s work. Since 1914, the large park Bei den Weihern within the castle has been used as a community education center. Up to 1936, the fortification was owned by the Admont Abbey; since then, the province of Styria has had control over it.
Weisseneggerhof – Currently owned privately, the Weisseneggerhof is a Graz aristocratic estate from the fifteenth century. The land was originally owned by the king; but, in 1414, Hans Strohmeyr, in 1490, Hans Hofstetter zu Tobel, and in Wolfgang von Weissenck later purchased it. Later, in 1529, Hans Golder’s son received ownership of the farm. Johanna von Glojach brought the property with her when she wed Erasmus von Glojach. In 1635 Johann Ulrich von Eggenberg bought the land, which he then included into his already-existing domain. Up until 1785, the von Eggenberger family owned the estate; Richard Seebacher then purchased it. Renovated between 1593 and 1596, the building is now privately owned.
Kroisbach Castle – In the Mariatrost area of Graz is Kroisbach Castle, often referred to as Haignitzhof, a Baroque building. Domenico Rossi built it between 1650 and 1655 under Count Abundio Inzaghi’s order. The castle changed twice during the Counts of Galler’s rule: first in 1694 and once again in the 19th century. The western façade was repaired in 1965. There are two stories and two inner courtyards to the rectangular building, and the western wing has a single-story wooden superstructure. Round arched stone entrance and a Biedermeier fireplace from the 19th century define the southeast corner chamber.
Reinthal Castle – Built in Hart bei Graz, Styria, in 1545, by Schrannenadvocate Bartholomäus Rues. It served as an aristocratic seat and a property of the Rein monastery since the sixteenth century. Multiple structural additions to the castle include a late baroque wing, a Renaissance-style wing, and a 19th-century chapel. The ancient interior of the castle has been painstakingly conserved, and during the restoration work, Secco paintings from the late 18th and early 19th centuries were found. The woodland and field pathways that around the castle offer leisure options to the locals.
Metahof-Schlössl – Built in the sixteenth century on Eggenberg family land, the Metahof-Schlössl is a magnificently maintained aristocratic home in Graz. Later on, the property was purchased by the Counts of Saurau, and in 1744 Joseph Hueber rebuilt it. Among the intellectuals that often met in the castle were Karl Morré, Wilhelm Kienzel, and Peter Rosegger. Still, it was destroyed during bombing attacks close to the major train station in Graz and later converted into an office building. 1979 saw the palace moved inside the city.
Lustbuhel Castle – In the Waltendorf area of Graz stands Lustbühel castle, an early Baroque castle built in the 17th century. Later, in the 18th, 19th, and 1907, it was restored with historicist features, becoming a great home. The castle is an example of late historicist architecture, distinguished by towers, latticework entrances, and neo-Gothic elements. Apart from it, the castle has two aisle vestibule and neo-Romanesque marble round pillars. Since 1947, the castle has been a convalescent hospital for young children aged three to six. It is a kindergarten now.
Hallerschloss – Situated in the Waltendorf area of Graz, the Hallerschloss, sometimes known as Sparbersbach Castle, is a 17th-century castle. Its history dates to the thirteenth century, and knight von Breuner most likely built it. Up until 1713, the castle belonged to the Giebinger family; Dr. Friedrich Karl Haller then took possession of it. Numerous well-known people have lived at the castle, which was restored in 1923, including entrepreneur Johann Weitzer, composer Franz Schubert, and Field Marshal Count Gyulai of Austria during the 1809 siege of Graz. At the fortress, in 1945, talks between the Red Army and the British Army took place.
Meerscheinschlössl – Late Renaissance baroque mansion in Graz, Austria, known as the Meerscheinschlössl. It was converted into a pleasure palace after having been used as a holiday home at first. Among the castle’s owners were Balthasar Graf Wagensberg, Adam Breuner, Leopold von Stubenberg, and Thomas Gundaker Wurmbrand-Stuppach. Up to the war with France in 1809, Johann Meerschein, the current owner, kept the castle open as a tourist restaurant. Later on, the palace was bought by Josef Schlosser, Adolf Ignaz Mautner, and Leopold Schreiner. The palace has been owned by the Imperial and Royal Ministry of Education since 1914 and has been used for university functions and cultural events.
Mariahilferhaus – In Graz, Austria, stands the ancient municipal palace known as the Palais Wertl von Wertlsberg, or Mariahilferhaus. Built around the 17th century, it was later modified by the Wertl family into a four-winged building with a viewing side facing both west and south. The mansion was bought and extended by Count Josef Wilhelm Kronegg in 1696. Since 1708, nobility had rented it, but in 1743 the Minorite Order purchased it outright. The house has a castlelike atmosphere with polygonal corner towers. A well-preserved baroque façade of the palace is adorned with blind balustrades on its top levels.
Palais Thinnfeld – German historical municipal palace Palais Thinnfeld, sometimes called Thienfeld or Thinfeld, is situated in Graz. It was built in 1701 by ironmonger Johann Adam Thien, and at first wealthy people owned it. The palace was later expanded and refurbished, and Anton Erhard Martinelli created a new main wing. Once the palace was finished in 1742, many bourgeois owners took possession of it. Three floors, a hipped mansard roof, seven roof cottages, and a basket-arch stone gateway make up the late baroque building. The Lechner firm bought the castle in 1910; it was later transformed into the Kunsthaus Graz in 2007. Office and exhibition space have been used at the palace since 2007.
Palais Kottulinsky – Originally built in 1853 by architect Georg Hauberisser the Elder, it was rebuilt in 1892 by August Gunolt and Georg Hönel and is located in Geidorf’s third district. The late Gründerzeit structure had changes to its Neo-Baroque façade around the end of the 19th century. Three facades with a center avant-corps and pilasters define the two-story palace. Ground and first floors are used by the University of Graz, while the basement houses the Kottulinsky cabaret. Neo-baroque entry gate facing Beethovenstraße serves as the main entrance on the courtyard side.
Meran Palace – Between 1841 and 1843, Georg Hauberrisser senior built the Palais Meran as Archduke Johann’s private house. Set within a garden, the palace was freed from slavery in 1834 and died in 1859. He named his son Count Franz von Meran after him. The palace saw extensions in 1939 and 1963 in addition to the north wing that was completed in 1880. A pediment displaying the coat of arms, authentic wrought-iron entrance grilles, and an extended show side were all features of the late classicism architectural style used. The entryway has three lanes and a Platzl vault; the first-floor ballroom is distinguished by a stuccolustro wall construction and a carved wooden ceiling.
Palais Kees – Johann Christoph Kees had the late-classical Palais Kees apartment complex in Graz built between 1843 and 1845 by Georg Hauberrisser the Elder. Notable examples of late classicism in the city were provided by it. The leadership of the Korean Corps was housed on these grounds since 1884. The old Palais Kees had extensive repairs and restorations in 2009 in order to become a student housing. One of the main avant-corps’ most striking features is a majestic colonnade with railing.
Gösting Castle – Lightning struck the opulent baroque Gösting Castle in Graz, Styria, in 1723. Only between 1724 and 1728 was the castle rebuilt when Count Ignaz Maria von Attems refused to do so. Even if the interior was completed in 1735, the French grounds were transformed into an English park in 1844–1845. Up until 1955, the Attems family owned the castle; Hans and Grete Totz purchased it to be restored. Along with pillared arcades and a long main front, the castle has two square corner pavilions. Street-facing side is stucco and foliage-adorned, while courtyard side features rocaille stone urns and sandstone angel putti. Gösting Castle is a privately held property.
Reinerhof – Dating to 1164, the Reinerhof, often known as Reiner Hof, is the oldest building in Graz that has been recorded. Situated between Schloßbergplatz and the Graz City Museum, the old Palais Khuenburg. Documentation of the building dates back to 1164, and in 1798 Count Dismas von Dietrichstein purchased it. Archeological studies were part of the extensive renovations that took place at the Reinerhof between 1992 and 1994. Along with two shops and restaurants, the building has a late Gothic hall and a St. Anna chapel. Now housed in Waldstein Castle is the altarpiece from the former home.
Palais Khuenburg – Between the Reinerhof and the old Palais Herberstein stands the historic municipal mansion known as Palais Khuenburg in Graz. The house was built in 1564 by Styrian official Maximilian von Schrattenbach, the chamberlain of Archduke Karl. Count Otto Ehrenreich Trauttmansdorff and war purser Johann Sebastian Schäzl later bought the land, then in 1676 they sold it to Sigmund Ludwig Khuenburg. The municipal government had its headquarters at the palace during World War II, and the British occupying troops later used it. Following a major restoration from 1969 to 1972, the palace is now used as the GrazMuseum.
Palais Herberstein – Previously the Graz municipal palace, Palais Herberstein is now home to the Museum of History. The mansion in Sackstrasse was previously owned by the Herberstein family. Then the land was purchased by the Municipality of Graz. The castle has hosted several events and housed Duchess Maria Karolina of Naples-Sicily from 1834. The Palais Herberstein complex consists of three wings, two inner courtyards and a sloping roof. Along with a magnificent staircase, the palace has a carved ceiling fresco and a rococo wrought iron lattice. A corridor of mirrors and finely etched state apartments set apart the Beletage, sometimes known as the “Nobletage.”
Palais Attems – Situated at the crossroads of Schloßbergplatz and Sackstrasse, in Graz, Austria, lies the Palais Attems, a noteworthy aristocratic palace. One block-shaped, four-story building encloses the inner courtyard. Influenced by the design of northern Italian palaces, Domenico Boscho’s elaborate stucco work covers the baroque façade. Three phases of interior design were undertaken: Franz Carl Remp’s overdoor paintings, ceiling stucco work from 1706 under Domenico Boscho, and classical carved ornaments in the Josephine style. Second story living quarters for the family; state rooms with beautiful stucco work are on the first floor. The “Big Salon,” “Monkey Hall,” and “Bird Hall” are housed at the Palais Attems.
Palais Kellersberg – In Graz’s Inner City neighborhood is Palais Kellersberg, sometimes referred to as Kellersberg’sches Stadthaus, a 1728 building. The core of it, which consists of two townhouses, comes from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. A long façade of the building is covered with corbels, overhanging arches, and bandelwerk decorations. Situated in the eastern courtyard wing, the Pawlatschen is a two-story columned arcade dating back to the second quarter of the 18th century. First floor entrance is by a stairway from the fifteenth century. Highlights include stucco ceilings, ribbon and leaf decorations, an Empire tiled furnace, late Gothic ridge vaults, carved overdoors from the 18th century, and a rocaille skylight grille from the third quarter of the 18th century.

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Churches & Cathedrals In Graz

Among the oldest churches in Graz, a city rich in ecclesiastical buildings, are the Rupertikirche, the Stiegenkirche, and the University. Among the many ecclesiastical branches in the city are the Franciscan, Minorite, and nursing and educational monasteries. Moreover, the city is the site of some modern religious buildings, such as the Carmelite convent, the Church of the Redeemer, and the Grabenkirche of the Capuchin order. Among the most famous Gothic and Baroque church buildings is the 16th-century Graz Calvary. A nationally known baroque pilgrimage chapel, the Mariatrost Basilica has been a spiritual destination since 1714. Two more hallowed buildings in the neighborhood are the Church of the Annunciation and the Mariagrüner Kirche. Comprising the Martin Luther House and church buildings, the Heilandskirche is the largest evangelical church in the city and was finished in 1853. Additionally, Graz had a synagogue, which was destroyed in 1938 to declare the city “Jew-free”.

Graz Cathedral – A major cultural-historical and artistic building in Graz, Austria, is the Grazer Dom, the cathedral church of St. Gydius. It was built during Friedrich III’s reign in the fifteenth century and became a cathedral church in 1786 when Graz was granted a bishopric. Between Bürgergasse and Burggasse stands the late Gothic-style building, built as a church fort outside the medieval city walls. The theater, castle and imperial mausoleum are all located next to one another and make up the Graz city crown.
Graz Calvary – Built in 17th century, the Graz Calvary is a duplicate of Jerusalem’s Crucifixion Hill. has many chapels, a group of crosses, and the Calvary Church of the Holy Cross. There are seven stations spread out along the Calvary complex procession path as well. A round arch stone doorway with wrought iron gates from the baroque era characterizes the chapels, which were kindly presented by the Jesuits, wealthy residents, and Emperor Leopold I. The crucifixion group is the first reproduction of the Golgota.
Franciscan Monastery of Graz – Roman Catholic male Franciscan Monastery of Graz is situated in Styria on the Mur River in Austria. When built in the early 13th century, it was the first of its sort in the city. Having purchased the monastery in the sixteenth century, the Franciscan Observants (OFM) have held it ever since. Graz-Mariä Himmelfahrt parish church is next to the convent building.
Trinity Church – Situated in the Inner City of Graz, Bartholomäus Ebner built the Trinity chapel, a Roman Catholic chapel, for the Ursuline Sisters, between 1694 and 1704. The original name of the building was Ursuline Church, and it was built in the main style of the Habsburg Baroque movement, Italian Baroque. A monastery and school building are next to the church. The church is currently managed by the Franciscans through the Graz-Mariae Himmelfahrt parish.
Parish Church of the Holy Blood – Situated in Graz-Hl is the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Blood, also called Propstei. Inner City area “Blood.” It was built about 1440 and then enlarged in the 1520s. The church has a distinctive mendicant gothic style with a copper helmet roof structure and a baroque façade. Although World War II destroyed the church’s Gothic stained-glass windows, pictures of Hitler and Mussolini still hang there. The 1970-built organ at the church is quite amazing.
Salvator Church – Situated in Graz, the Salvatorkirche is a Roman Catholic church also referred to as Pfarrkirche Graz-Christ von Salvator. It was made an autonomous parish in 1981 and is now the main chapel of the parish of Graz-Christus der Salvator. Two stages were built for the church; in 1969, a worship hall and rectory were added. The Salvatorians as a religious order took on pastoral responsibility. The church has an organ, fourteen Stations of the Cross, a brass tabernacle, twelve apostle columns, and a semicircular sanctuary. And its floor plan is square.
Church and Convent of the Sisters of the Cross – An outgrowth of the Sisters of Charity of the Holy Cross is the Sisters of the Holy Cross church and convent in Graz. Having been established in 1856, the congregation has since grown to include nursing homes, after-school programs, priests’ hospitals, and servants’ asylums. Constructed in the latter part of the 1800s, the compound is four stories tall. Its architecture is neo-Gothic historicist. The Josefshaus houses the St. Josef residential community; the main structure houses the senior sister community.
Carmelite Church of St. Joseph – Roman Catholic church Carmelite Church of St. Joseph is situated in Graz. The Discalced Carmelites convent uses it as their monastery church. Constructed in 1641, the church was disbanded in 1782, during the Josephian period. Later on, the church was used as a garment storage and a military school. In 1914, the city of Graz started dismantling a Chamber of Commerce and Industry building; but, the war forced a stop to the work. The Holding Graz structure replaced the southern part of the ancient monastery, and the church continues to be an important part of the city’s history.
Maria Schnee Monastery – Discalced Carmelites are housed in the Maria Schnee Monastery in Graz. It was established in 1840 and then enlarged in 1844. The neo-Gothic altarpiece and prayer group, together with the hook-shaped building, set the monastery apart. The church, built in 1687, is in the monastery courtyard. The Graz Regional Music School of the Hitler Youth was housed at the monastery by the Nazi authority.
Church of the Most Holy Redeemer – The official sanctuary of LKH University Hospital in Graz-St. Leopold and the Graz-Holy Redeemer diocesan parish sanctuary. It was built in the Art Nouveau style but its original design was neo-Gothic. It was dedicated in 1912 and then granted parish church status in 1919. Two altarpieces by Alfred v. Schrötter and fourteen copies of the Virgin Mary and the Stations of the Cross are housed in the sanctuary.
Parish Church Graz-Graben – Roman Catholic chapel Grabenkirche, also called the Church of St. John the Baptist Geidorf or the Parish chapel Graz-Graben, is situated in Graz’s Geidorf neighborhood. Member of the Capuchin branch, it is devoted to St. John the Baptist. Built as part of the Grabenkloster in 1652, the chapel lacked a tower. The Grabenkirche has had extensive repairs to make it handicap accessible. Both a baroque masterpiece and a brand-new organ grace the cathedral.
Lazarist Church of the Painful Mother – In Graz’s Lend neighborhood is Marienkirche, a Roman Catholic chapel also referred to as the Lazarist chapel of the Painful Mother. Both the monastery church for the Lazarists Graz mission house and the parish church of Graz-Painful Mother are housed there. It was built between 1856 and 1858 at the initiative of Friedrich von Schmidt and Karl Aichinger. Though it was painstakingly renovated, the historicist church suffered significant damage during World War II. Sandstone reliefs decorate the entrance gateway, while saint Vincent de Paul, John the Evangelist, Mary Magdalene, and angels are carved on the high altar.
Parish church Graz-Münzgraben – Built between 1952 and 1960, the Münzgrabenkirche, sometimes referred to as the Fatimakirche zur Immaculate Heart of Mary, is a Catholic church located in Graz, Austria. It was first the administrative hub for the Immaculate Heart of Mary Dominican monastery. The church is located in the Graz-South deanery of the Graz municipal church, having been built somewhat south of its original site. The church has a chapel devoted to Anne, a bell tower, a nave and choir. A rosarium and historicist features are included into the postmodernist masterwork chapel.
Mariahilfer Church – Situated in Graz, the capital of Styria, this pilgrimage church has been in use since 1783. The church was built by the Franciscan order, which due to poverty split into two groups in 1517. Support for the minority, who were still fighting for survival, came from Prince Johann Ulrich von Eggenberg and Archduke Ferdinand of Inner Austria. The front of the church, which was built at Mariahilfer Platz, was designed by Giovanni Pietro de Pomis. Bell towers and a portico were built as part of the church’s repairs in the 1740s and 1750s.
Stiegenkirche – This Roman Catholic church was the first parish church in Graz. Documented originally in 1343, it was given to Aurelius Mancinus von Pergola in 1588 for the Augustinian hermits’ monastery. The building was finished by 1627, having started in 1619. The sanctuary was referred to as the Jesuit chapel between 1886 until 1957. An explosion in 1945 severely destroyed the church; it was reconstructed between 1950 and 1953. The church rectorate has been established separately since 1957. In 1962 the church had an interior makeover in honor of Austrian Catholic Day.
Parish Church Graz-Herz Jesu – Roman Catholic church Graz-Herz Jesu Parish Church, sometimes called Herz-Jesu-Kirche, is located in Graz, Austria. It was built in 1881–1887 in the neo-Gothic masonry style. Third-highest church tower in Austria, it is one of the most important historicist buildings in Styria. At first, the church was supposed to serve as the parish center for the growing Gründerzeit neighborhood. In 1902, nevertheless, it was given parish standing. Showcasing romantic ideals, the church and rectory are situated inside a park and are both constructed in the same architectural style. Standing at 109.6 metres, the church’s south-west tower is the third tallest ecclesiastical building in Austria.
Leechkirche – The first Roman Catholic chapel in Graz was the Leechkirche, sometimes known as Maria Himmelfahrt am Leech. Originally, it was a burial place from the ninth and eighth centuries BC. With its earliest round building without an apse built in 1000 AD, the church has a convoluted history. Built between 1275 and 1293, the present cathedral is a remarkable example of early Gothic architecture. The church was given up to the Teutonic Knights in 1233, and between 1991 and 1994 it underwent extensive restoration. Stained glass, an early Gothic tympanum, and a high altar are features of the church.
Graz Synagogue – Now a part of the Jewish community in Vienna, the Graz synagogue is located in Gries and was the successor of the former Jewish community in Graz (IKG Graz). It supports Jews in Graz, Styria, Carinthia, and southern Burgenland. Beside the synagogue lies the Grazer Beth HaMidrash – Small Synagogue, one of two Jewish places of prayer in the capital of Styria. Jews in Inner Austria founded sizable communities in Judenburg and were important Middle Ages traders.
Rupertikirche – Situated in Graz’s 16th district, the Rupertikirche is a Roman Catholic church sometimes referred to as the Filialkirche St. Rupert or Aribonenkirche. Presumably the earliest church, it may have originated in the Carolingian era. The Salzburg Archbishop probably built the now privately held church in reaction to the nearby Aribonen churches. Vaulting of the nave began in 1620, choir building in 1675, and high altar completion in 1675. Many reconstructions have been done to the interior.
Evangelical Church of St. John – Evangelical Church of St. John, or Johanneskirche, is a post-war Protestant church building located in the Andritz neighborhood of Graz. Eugen Salpius was the architect of the Johanneskirche. The Holy Family Catholic parish chapel in Andritz is next to it. A shrine, the modest sacred building is identified by its sloping concrete windows and lofty bell tower. The only other post-war Protestant church building in Graz, Herbert Hofmann, a Bauhaus architect, created its austere interior.
Kreuzkirche – A Protestant parish chapel, it was built in 1908 to serve the growing Lend neighborhood of Graz. Built atop the Mühl-Schlössl, a 17th-century building, the church was financed by Ida Albrecht, an unknown donor. Finished between 1912 and 1914, the church has a nave, open portico, and magnificent spire. Angels, paintings and a reproduction of Peter Paul Rubens’ Crucifixion embellish the sanctuary. The St. Paulus Eremita baroque altar in the church was originally obtained from the nearby Mühlschlössel vicarage. The Institute was founded in 1914.
Heilandskirche – One of five evangelical chapels in Styria is the Heilandskirche in Graz. Built in early historicist architecture, it served as the main chapel of the Evangelische Superintendentur AB Steiermark. A offshoot of the Wald am Schoberpass parish, the Graz community rented the first evangelical prayer house in 1824. Converted to a Protestant church in 1853, the church is the only one built in the romantic historicism style. The changes to the altar, tower, windows, and pulpit currently indicate that the area was used as a prayer house.
Institutional Church of the Holy Cross – Part of the Graz-St. area, the Holy Cross Institutional Church is situated in Straßgang. metropolis. There is the Elizabeth parish in Webling. Built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its cruciform layout and mix of neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic architectural styles define it. A tower with a pointed helmet and a groin vault supported by pillars characterize the two-bay single-nave interior of the church. Some of its furniture originated with its construction.
Parish Church of St. Leopold – Roman Catholic Parish chapel of St. Leopold is situated in Graz’s Puntigam neighborhood. Saint Leopold is its dedicatee. Constructed in the 1960s to accommodate population growth, the church was built by the architect trio of Edda Gellner, Fritz Neuhold, and Heimo Widtmann. Simple cubic buildings made up the church, vicarage, and parish center; later on, a freestanding cross bell bearer was added. The roof landscape is a characteristic tent-shaped construction made of black Eternit, surrounded by a thin band of windows and a white gypsum base.
Elisabethkirche – Devoted to Saint Elizabeth, the Elisabethkirche is a Roman Catholic chapel situated in the Straßgang area of Graz. With its pent roof and rectangular floor layout, it was dedicated in 1972. The bell bearer of the church tapered as it was converted into a holy sanctuary. Pews encircle the wooden altar, which is covered with wooden panels showcasing the creations of West Styrian artist Franz Weiß. Eight enamel figures decorate the church doorway, including a holy water pot and a sculpted Madonna wearing a mantle of protection. Part of the recently formed parish of Graz-St. The address of Elisabeth is Webling.
Florianikirche – Perched atop the 527-meter-high Florianiberg mountain near Graz, Austria, the Florianikirche is a Roman Catholic mountain church. Devoted to St. Florian, the church was built in 1597 thanks to the donation of Archduchess Maria Anna of Bavaria. The first Sack fire in 1670, which is thought to have been put out by prayer to St. Florian, led to the recognition of the chapel. Graz residents vowed firmly to start an annual trip to the Florianiberg, which is now celebrated as a folk festival.
Guardian Angel Church – German Roman Catholic parish church Guardian Angel Church, often referred to as the Parish Church of the Holy Guardian Angels, is situated in Graz, Austria. Built originally in 1931, it was abandoned during World War I and then converted into a clubhouse. 1996 saw the dedication of the church, which is the newest Catholic church in Styria. The 1996 building of the new church was planned by Werner Hollomey. It has a glass entryway, a weekday haven, and a bright interior. Many painters have impacted the artwork of the church, which depicts the Trinity and the Crucifixion of Christ.
Vinzenzkirche – St. Vincent de Paul is the patron saint of this Roman Catholic parish church in Eggenberg, Graz. It was founded in 1892 by Prince-bishop Johann Baptist Zwerger to provide the impoverished people of Algersdorf spiritual care and wellbeing. The chapel was built by architect Robert Mikovics in the shape of a cross and dedicated in 1893 and 1895. The church was established as a parish church in 1932 and has been led by Wolfgang Pucher as pastor since 1973. Konrad Hopferwieser built the church organ in 1900; Orgelbau Kuhn repaired it in 2003.
Vierzehn-Nothelfer-Kirche – Roman Catholic chapel Fourteen-Nothelfer-Kirche is situated close to the Brothers of Charity Hospital in Eggenberg, the 14th district of Graz. It was probably finished in 1684 and, having been built in 1680, given to the Congregation of the Brothers of Charity in 1950. An onion-shaped dome atop a medium-sized tower, semi-circular sanctuaries, and a choir with side annexes are features of this church. Within is a small, three-bay nave with a mirror ceiling design. Sandstone statues and niches framed in plaster adorn the outside. Second quarter of the 18th century saw the construction of the chancel niche.
Church of St. Johann and Paul – Roman Catholic St. Johann and Paul mountain chapel is situated in Wetzelsdorf, Graz. Owned by the City of Graz, it is governed by the deanery of Graz-West. Perched at 563 meters above sea level, it serves as the parish sanctuary for Graz-Christkönig. The church property, perched atop an artificial structure, has been owned by the Admont Abbey since 1996. Bartolomeo Altomonte painted the high altar, and he included an image of the two Roman brothers, John and Paul.
Parish Church of St. Vitus – In Graz-St. Vitus stands the parish church of St. The important St. Vitus-related religious site Veit is located in the Andritz area of Graz. Renaissance in design, the chapel was built in 1657 and formally dedicated in 1662. Before then, it was called Gabriach. An organ, a tower, and a high altar from the Baroque are features of the church. The economically strong parish, which includes Weinzödl, St. Gotthard, Oberandritz, and Stattegg, also has a branch chapel called Maria Schutz in Kalkleiten.
Rein Abbey Cistercian monastery – Margrave Leopold the Strong of Steyr founded the Cistercian monastery of Stift Rein in 1129. Being disbanded after the French Revolution or Germany’s secularization, it is the oldest Cistercian monastery in the world. Habsburg control was sworn in 1276 by the monastery. The monastery was the convent of the Hohenfurth monastery from 1959 until 1990. Up until 2019, the college church functioned as the deanery church when Pope John Paul II converted it to a minor basilica.
Mariatrost Basilica – Situated on the Purberg in Graz-Mariatrost, Mariatrost Basilica – The Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary is a baroque church also known as the parish and pilgrimage church. Previously a Pauline or Franciscan convent, the chapel is a major Styrian pilgrimage site. Situated 469 metres above sea level, the cathedral is reachable via tram line 1 or the Angelus staircase. The chapel lies on the Austrian pilgrimage path known as the Styrian Mariazellerweg. With its dome and its two four-story façade turrets, the basilica is a prime illustration of Baroque architecture.
Church of St. Cyril and Methodius – Slavic apostles Cyril and Methodius are honored in the Serbian Orthodox church of St. Cyril and Methodius in Graz, Gries. Originally a consecration hall, it was built in the neo-Gothic masonry style and converted into an autonomous parish church later on. This square-plan church with a double-shelled dome is owned by the Roman Catholic Church. A highlight of the church is a high altar with a picture of the Redeemer, which is linked by arcades to the chamber for consecration and setting out. Now accessible to the Styrian parish, the church was disbanded in 1996.
Mercy Church of the Annunciation – Housed in Graz, Austria, the Mercy chapel of the Annunciation is a Roman Catholic chapel connected to the Convent of the Brothers of Mercy. Situated in the parish of Graz-Mariä Mariahilf, it was founded in 1615. The church was built in 1735 and, at last, dedicated in 1769. From 1838 to 1938 it served as a garrison church; it resumed its duties in 1966. Tall altar and swinging tower facade in the towering Baroque style define the church’s architecture. Scenes from the Order of the Merciful Brothers, like Pope Pius V’s acceptance and the Sacred Heart altar, are ornamented the cathedral.

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Streets & Squares in Graz

Second-biggest city in Austria, Graz is well-known for its wide range of streets and squares that showcase both historical significance and architectural beauty. The classic street Herrengasse is a gorgeous avenue with well designed mansions that exude an air of aristocracy. Hauptplatz, the main plaza of the city, is flanked by Renaissance and medieval buildings and is its energetic heart. Handmade shops and cafés abound along Sporgasse, a quaint street in Graz’s old town. At the base of the well-known Schlossberg hill, Schlossbergplatz offers a broad vista over the city. Whereas Karmeliterplatz offers a peaceful atmosphere, Jakominiplatz is a busy transit hub. History buffs and lovers of Gothic architecture go to Franziskanerplatz. Griesplatz is an outdoor market and a vibrant representation of Graz’s culinary culture. Graz’s past is opened up by Eisernes Tor, a triumphal monument. Andreas-Hofer-Platz, so called after the Tyrolean patriot, represents Graz’s close ties to Austrian history. Rich in history, Graz’s maze-like system of streets and squares also doubles as navigational markers and cultural reservoirs.

Square at the Iron Gate – Named for the historic city gate, the Iron Gate is located in Graz’s Inner City between Opernring and Herrengasse. Built in the middle of the 16th century, the gate housed a police jail. Known by another name, the Marian Column, the Turkish Column was built in 1928 and is a part of the group that includes the fountain at the Iron Gate. Domenico Sciassia, Abbondia Bolla, and Adam Roßtauscher designed the column, which took cues from the Vienna Marian column Am Hof. The site is about where trams 1, 3, 6, and 7 now run.
Andreas Hofer Square – Known by another name, Andreas-Hofer-Platz, Andreas Hofer Square is a square located in the Inner City of Graz on the western edge of the city center. Serving as the main transfer point for Styrian regional buses, it has the name Andreas Hofer, after the Tyrolean freedom fighter, since 1947. Constructed in 1620, the plaza was included into the city defenses in the early 17th century. Later on, in 1947, the site was extended and given the new name “August-Assmann-Platz”. The plaza was renovated in the 1960s to modernize the city and provide private transportation more access.
Dietrichsteinplatz – Dietrichsteinplatz is a square in the St. Leonhard and Jakomini districts of Graz’s old town. It was built by bridging a creek in 1882–1883, and bears the name of the aristocratic Dietrichstein family. The plaza’s traversing Grazbach Canal was built to reduce flooding. In the plaza stand the Martin Auer patisserie and the “Fürst Dietrichstein’sche Stiftungshaus”. Traffic, tram and bus lines, and the possibility of specific buildings collapsing are among the challenges facing the plaza. Furthermore situated on the square are the Martin Auer patisserie and the local professional fire brigade.
Europaplatz – A well-known area in Graz, Europaplatz is next to the main train station of the city. Being the main traffic intersection, it has a bus station that can hold long-distance, regional, and city buses as well as an underground tram stop. With connections to several modes of transportation, the Graz main train station—formerly known as Stationsplatz Graz and Südbahnhof—is the busiest rail station in Austria. Twelve main lines, a few branch tracks, and ten platform tracks are all regulated by the ESTW Graz system. Platform 21, reached by Niesenbergergasse, is a special loading station for car trains.
Färberplatz – In Graz’s Inner City area is the square Färberplatz. It came into being in the early 1900s after the dyer’s barracks were demolished. The area used to house archives and magistrates, and it still does. The square was renamed after the neighborhood, Färbergasse. The city paid 63,000 crowns for the land once the barracks were destroyed. Known for its vibrant nightlife and delicious food, the square’s abundance of bars and eateries has earned it the moniker “Bermuda Triangle” in Graz.
Glockenspielplatz – Graz’s Inner City neighborhood is home to the Glockenspielplatz, so named after the glockenspiel that has been playing there since 1905. The plaza, which was formerly a square in the Middle Ages, is home to the residences built in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was sometimes considered as an extension of the Färbergasse, as was the neighboring Mehlplatz. About the middle of the eighteenth century, it was called “Flying Field”. Gottfried Simon Maurer added a carillon to his house in 1903, and it became a big draw very fast. The unattractive feature of the area led the town council to rename it “Glockenspielplatz” in 1908. It is today a most sought-after location in Graz’s old area, known for its nightclubs and restaurants.
Graz Main Square – The main thoroughfare and market of Graz’s Inner City, Main Square is shaped like a trapezoid. Trade hub for the city was centred on the late Gothic to medieval homes that surrounded the square. Historically and architecturally speaking, Duke Ottakar III built the most important plaza in the city before 1160. The Trinity Column and the Archduke Johann Fountain monuments provide even more historical appeal to the plaza.
Jakominiplatz – Known by many as “Jako,” Jakominiplatz is a major area in Graz, Styria, that houses the Graz Linien’s two main hubs for transit. With significant acreage close to the southern Graz Bastion, Kaspar Andreas Ritter von Jacomini-Holzapfel-Waasen created it. The first horse-drawn tram in Graz was put into service in 1878, connecting the main station with Jakominiplatz. The plaza developed into the most important local transit hub in the city between 1880 and 1895 when lines to Fröhlichgasse and Schillerplatz were built, respectively. The plaza was totally renovated in 1995–1996 and turned into a pedestrian zone.
Karmeliterplatz – Named for a previous Carmelite monastery, Karmeliterplatz is a square in Graz’s Inner City. It is a closed compound from the 17th century that Archduke Karl II created in 1578. Platz gegen die Burg and Rudolf-Erlbacher-Platz were other names for the plaza from 1938 until 1945. On the edge, the Trinity Column is located near to a fountain. The Styrian People’s Party headquarters, formerly known as Palais Galler, is also well worth seeing. Overlooking Karmeliterplatz, the Pfauengarten is an event location with an underground parking garage.
Mehlplatz – Graz’s historic Mehlplatz has a Middle Ages origin. The trapezoid-shaped plaza, which stretches from the Färbergasse to the southwest, is intersected by the Prokopigasse. Back in the fifteenth century, it was called “near the Gäubänken”. “Flour place” was first used in writing in 1785. Name modifications and extensions to the square have included the building of Count Abondio Inzaghi’s home. Its pubs and restaurants, varied food options, and vibrant nightlife have made the area well-known as a part of Graz’s “Bermuda Triangle”.
Schloßbergplatz – Originally part of the mediaeval city walls, Schloßbergplatz is a square in the Inner City of Graz. Initially set aside as a military zone, the plaza saw the building of additional city gates and the Ursuline Convent as the city grew. The square has seen several changes, including the designations of Palais Attems, Graz fish market, and so forth. The building of the “Kriegssteige” stairway in 1903 had a big impact on how the square is now laid out. During World War II, forced workers built a vast tunnel system within the Schloßberg that offered 12,000 square meters of useful area and was used for a number of functions. These days, the tunnels house a number of attractions, such as the fairy tale train, Schloßberg slide, and lift.
Südtiroler Platz – Südtiroler Platz is a square in the old town of Graz located on the western branch of the Mur River. Built along the old major traffic axis of the city, it served as the main hub for transit until the Southern Railway was constructed in 1844. The plaza and the city are intimately linked by the history of Archduke Johann Bridge, the oldest and most important bridge in the city. There are several changes to the late Middle Ages homes in this very historic area. One noteworthy exception is the Iron House, finished in 1848.
St. Andrä Square – Bound by Dominikanergasse, Dreihackengasse, Grenadiergasse, and Belgiergasse, St. Andrä plaza, often called St. Andräplatz, is a plaza in Graz’s Gries neighborhood. Church of St. Andrä is located on the square. Being among the first areas in the medieval Murvorstadt, the area is historically noteworthy. The current St. Andräplatz site was once home to the graveyard for St. Andräkirche. Hygiene worries led Emperor Joseph II to close the cemetery in 1807. The Andrämarkt and previous Straßgangerstrasse are not located on the current St. Andräplatz. In the beginning of the 18th century, Emperor Joseph II increased the military presence in Graz, especially around St. Andräkirche.
Herrengasse – Herrengasse is a baroque boulevard in Graz, Styria; in the Middle Ages, it was called Bürgerstraße or Bürgergasse. It acts as the focal point of public life. The main plaza and Am Eisernen Tor square, which is close to Jakominiplatz, the hub of public transit, are connected by bridge. Herrengasse is a pedestrian zone; individual traffic is not allowed since November 1972. Archaeological finds from the Hallstatt era indicate that the area was inhabited in antiquity. One Jewish enclave was mentioned in 1261 as being walled and situated near Herrengasse’s southernmost point. Graz’s Bürgerstrasse saw a significant transformation between 1457 and 1475 as more nobility bought houses in the area; it was then called Herrengasse.
Sackstrasse – First built in the first district of the Inner Stadt, Sackstraße is the oldest road in Graz. It reaches to the Kepler Bridge from the southernmost point of the main square. Nowadays, it is a well-known shopping center, especially for art, and it is the headquarters of “Art Meile Graz,” an interest group. At Reinerhof, in the northern part of the city wall, it ends, formerly known as “Sack.” The “first sack” was a dead end alley at first, but the building of the first “Sacktor” offered a northern outlet. Generally considered to be the oldest street in Graz, the corridor was built in the first part of the 12th century.
Sporgasse – Renowned for its historical value, Sporgasse is a street in Graz’s Innere Stadt area. Originally called Sporergasse, Sporgasse was shortened to just Sporgasse in 1600. A bustling shopping street, Sporgasse has several amazing architectural elements. The street is home to the baroque building with a stunning gateway that portrays St. John of Nepomuk and the Art Nouveau Luegg-Haus. One of the oldest pastry shops in Graz and Styria, Strehly is housed in the former Teutonic Knights’ estate. Remarkable Stiegenkirche, a historic Augustinian abbey, is hidden behind the modest façade. Situated at the upper end of Sporgasse stands the Goldene Pate, one of the first inns in Graz.

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Nature & Parks In Graz

Through its many parks and natural spaces, Graz, a city well-known for its cultural energy and historic charm, offers a peaceful counterpoint to its metropolitan life. An iconic hill, the Schlossberg is a lush haven with lush greenery that shows how committed the city is to protecting its natural heritage. A monument to the magnificent grandeur of plant life from all over the world is the Botanical Garden in Graz. Watercraft and birding are best enjoyed at the tranquil Hilmteich lake in the southern part. City Park (Stadtpark), which offers a little break from the city center with peaceful ponds that are home to ducks, is one of Graz’s urban parks that demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. The well-kept paths, native and rare kinds of plants and animals in the protected Leechwald forest attest to Graz’s great biological richness.

Grazer Stadtpark – The largest public park in Graz was created in 1869 when the glacis area in front of the city wall was converted into Grazer Stadtpark – Graz City Park. The idea for the water conduit and bath, finished in 1872, came from Mayor Moritz Ritter von Franck. The park was designed with an English garden influence by the City Beautification Association. The park now has several bike routes, a Catholic Day celebration meadow, and an outdoor exhibition showcasing Styria’s cultural past. The main feature of the park is the 1874–1852 restored Stadtpark fountain.
Grazer Volksgarten – Public park Grazer Volksgarten spans 4.6 hectares and was founded in 1875 as an addition to the larger municipal park in Graz. The traditional Volksgarten concept, initially presented in Germany in the late eighteenth century, served as the model for its design. There are skate park, playground, and soccer field among the many leisure and athletic activities offered by the park for people of all ages. Along the trail, there are seats and fountains as well as monuments and a pavilion. Path cutbacks were a part of a 2000 renovation of the park that was completed during the International Garden Show
Leechwald – A popular leisure spot and ecological compensatory area is Graz’s city forest, the Leechwald. Three municipal districts made up its initial ownership by aristocracy in the 19th century. Combining pine and deciduous trees gives it its unique character. From a wine bar attraction, the park now offers a wide range of recreational activities, including a walking and jogging path, a forest nature trail, and a memorial to the victims of persecution during National Socialism. Within the park are a “human rights path” and a memorial to the victims of National Socialism.
Rettenbachklamm – This Graz gorge is between Platte and Kogelberg. Trekking across a lush ravine forest full with plants offers a unique experience. The unique climatic conditions of the gorge—mild winters and cold summers—are what give rise to the amazing show of ferns and mosses. It is now a protected area under the Styrian Nature Conservation Act. Take tram line 1 toward Mariatrost and follow the cycle and trail to reach the defile. Steingrabenweg is where the entrance is situated. Parking places are few, hence bicycles are encouraged. The northern end of the gorge is 15 minutes’ walk from the Postbus stations and the terminus of tram line 1.
Schlossberg Park – Perched atop a tree-covered hill in Graz, Austria, is a fortification that dates back to the tenth century. Ludwig von Welden turned it into a public park in 1839, adding features like the Uhrturm and Glockenturm, as well as two bastions and a cistern. The summit also contains a system of tunnels constructed during World War II to protect locals from aircraft bombing. Ninety percent of the hill is reachable by the Schlossberg funicular, which offers a wide range of gastronomic delights. Together with a children’s playground, the park hosts the yearly Elevate Festival, which celebrates modern music, art, and political conversation. Additionally housed in the castle are the largest inside slide, “Schlossbergrutsche Graz,” and the children’s grotto railway trip, Fairytale Express Graz.
Augarten Park – Popular since the early 1900s, the Augarten is an urban open area located between Mur and Pestalozzistraße/Neuholdaugasse. Its 75,000 square meters were extensively renovated between 1951 and 1953, when a food kiosk, restrooms, and a performance pavilion were added. A handy path is offered by the Augartensteg over the Mur for inhabitants of the Gries region. Expanded in 2007, the kids’ play area, and since 2020, the new “Augarten Bay” has offered leisure space along the Mur River.

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Bridges In Graz

The network of bridges in Graz is well-known for fusing style with utility. These architectural wonders—among them the Muraschitz Viaduct—have both historic and modern engineering prowess. Stone arches characterize the 19th-century success Muraschitz Viaduct, while Vito Acconci’s modern bridge invention Graz Mur Island seems to float on the Mur River. These bridges are city historical monuments as well as means of facilitating human movement.

Radetzky Bridge – Constructed in 1898 across the Mur River in Graz, Austria, the Radetzky Bridge connects the Gries neighborhoods to the central city. It is a part of the Eggenberg Palace and City of Graz – Historic Center UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iron and stone bridge cost 160,542 guilders to build overall. It had repairs in 1994 after its formal opening in 1898. Near the bridge is the oldest surf wave in Austria.
Weinzöttl Bridge – In Graz, Austria, stands the historic Weinzöttlbrücke road and railway bridge. Crossing the Mur River, it was built in 1673. 1953–1954 saw the demolition of the bridge. Before World War I started, industrialists supported building a railroad connection. The 120-meter bridge was designed to function as both a road and railway bridge with three openings. 1922 saw its official opening to traffic. Large damage was found in 2005, hence renovations had to start right away.
Kepler Bridge – With a history that goes back to 1836, the Kepler Bridge spans the Mur River in Graz, Austria. The formerly chain bridge was renamed Keplerbrücke in 1920 after being transformed into an arch bridge in 1882. Among the many changes it has seen are the building of the longest bridge in Graz in 2006 and a longer longitudinal bridge in 2012. Cycling and pedestrians frequent the bridge.
Graz Murinsel – Built in 1999 as part of the year Graz was the Capital of Culture, the Murinsel is an artificial floating platform. Its concept was created by well-known New York artist Vito Acconci and it was opened in 2003. On the island in the middle of the Mur River sits a dome-topped outdoor theater and a kids’ playground. The island has been extended for ten years after its future use potential was evaluated. Together with protecting against flotsam, the project aims to improve the Mur river’s flow behavior.

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Other Sights & Landmarks In Graz

Monuments and Fountains In Graz – Graz’s historical monuments and memorials, like the Archduke Johann Fountain, the Marian columns, and the plague columns, are well-known. In 1680, the Marian columns were built at Marienplatz, Karlauplatz, and the Iron Gate; the epidemic columns were built in 1681. The centerpieces of Franz Pönninger’s Archduke Johann Fountain are a bronze monument of the monarch and allegorical depictions of the four rivers. The 1909 Major Hackher Monument honors Colonel Hackher’s defense of the Schloßberg against Napoleon’s army. Personal memorials in the city centre include those to Emperor Franz I on Freiheitsplatz, Joseph II on the Opernring, Peter Rosegger in the Roseggergarten, and the Welden memorial. The opera theater and municipal park also have monuments and statues, such as the bronze figures of Austria and Styria and the Moritz Ritter von Franck memorial.
Mausoleums In Graz – Adjacent to the Graz Cathedral lies the Graz mausoleum, an Austrian sacred building from the 17th century. Together with St. Catherine’s Church, built in 1614, it has a burial place for Emperor Ferdinand II and his family. Completion of the complex in 1714 marks the transition between the Renaissance and Baroque periods and is one of Austria’s most important Mannerism architectural monuments. The Old University, the castle and the church make up Graz’s canopy. Being the biggest of its type, the Graz mausoleum is the most important example of Mannerist architecture in Austria during the first half of the 17th century. Through its obvious domes and turrets, the building, together with the Graz Cathedral, adds to the cityscape.
Art Galleries In Graz – Specializing in contemporary art, the Halle für Kunst Steiermark (previously Künstlerhaus Graz and Halle für Kunst & Medien) is an exhibition space in Graz. Kunstverein Medienturm is in charge of its administration as of 2013. Expansive bottom floor features two exhibition rooms, a smaller chamber on the eastern side, and a grand hall. 2010–2012 saw renovations to the building, which produced 1100 m² of useful space and 670 m² of display space.The Neue Galerie Graz is a section of the Universalmuseum Joanneum that specializes in contemporary art. Founded in 1941, it created a new gallery and a new museum department out of the Landesbildergalerie of the Joanneum. Once a City Palace, Hans Riehl saved the structure from destruction. The Neue Galerie has had as directors Walter Koschatzky, Trude Aldrian, Wilfried Skreiner, Werner Fenz, Peter Weibel, and Christa Steinle.
Theaters In Graz – Austrian neo-baroque theater Fellner & Helmer of Vienna built the Graz Opera House in 1899. Originally a terrace theater, it is now the second-largest opera house in Austria. There are around 1,400 people that can fit in the lavish auditorium. Opera, ballet, operetta, and musicals are just a few of the varied shows it offers. The spoken performances are the specialty of the Austrian theater Schauspielhaus Graz. It is identified by a late-classical façade with cast-iron sculptures, an inscription board from 1776, and five sandstone relief coats of arms. A 1964 restoration saw the coats of arms attached.
Graz old town – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Graz is home to the historic old town and roofscape, which were extended in 2010 to include the City of Graz – Historical Center and Eggenberg Palace. Located in the center of the city, the Schloßberg was a stronghold that stood from 1125 to 1809. Among the sights of the city are the Schloßberg plateau, the Kriegssteig, the Schloßbergbahn, and several trails. Sackstrasse is a street lined with a variety of buildings and is where the oldest known building in the city is situated. City architecture combines Gothic and modern styles.

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FAQ about "Sights & Landmarks in Graz

What are the most iconic landmarks in Graz?

Known for its Uhrturm, Schlossberg, Kasematten, and Graz Clock Tower is Graz. Among its architectural wonders are the Kunsthaus Graz, Grazer Landhaus, and Ferdinand II's Mausoleum from the sixteen century. For world-class shows, the city also has the Graz Opera House and the artificial island Murinsel.

What architectural marvels are in Graz?

The Baroque masterpiece Schloss Eggenberg, the avant-garde Kunsthaus Graz, the Murinsel, the medieval Graz Cathedral and Mausoleum, the contemporary Graz Opera House and the Graz University of Technology are just a few of the buildings that highlight Graz's architectural talent.

What is the history of Graz Clock Tower?

Nestled atop Schlossberg, the Graz Clock Tower is a 13th-century architectural wonder. At once a defensive stronghold, around 1560 it became a symbol of timekeeping. Offering sweeping vistas and a deep link to the past, it is today a monument of Graz's development from a mediaeval fortress to a thriving cultural center.

How can I explore Graz's old town attractions?

Beginning with the stronghold Schlossberg, discover the rich history and architecture of Graz. Discover the Landhaus, Sporgasse and Uhrturm, all from the thirteenth century. See the Ferdinand II Mausoleum and Graz Cathedral. Discover the cutting edge Kunsthaus and the contemporary island of Murinsel. Savor the hidden treasure Graz Clock Tower and Graz's culinary customs in Herrengasse.

Is there a guided tour of Graz's historic sites?

Graz has a range of expertly guided excursions that highlight the architectural legacy and engrossing tales of the city. Among these trips are those to Ferdinand II's Mausoleum and the Renaissance-era Landhaus. By use of specialist language, these excursions offer a journalistic perspective on comprehending the dynamic past of the city.

What's the significance of Graz Cathedral?

Ever since its construction in the fifteenth century, Graz Cathedral, a stunning architectural marvel in Austria, has been a pillar of the city's urban structure. Dedicated to Saint Giles, it exhibits both historical and spiritual value by fusing Gothic and Baroque elements. Relics, a haven for pious hearts, and a center of culture all coexist in the cathedral.

Are there any famous fountains in Graz?

The 17th-century Baroque masterpiece Neptune Fountain and the Johann Piger-designed neoclassical Herkulesbrunnen Fountain are two of the architectural wonders and cultural treasures of Graz, an Austrian city in Styria. Brigitte Kowanz's avant-garde sculpture Three Graz Women is housed in the Museum of Perception.

What's the best time to visit Graz landmarks?

Austria's Graz is renowned for both its year-round activities and architectural beauty. The finest seasons to view Graz monuments are in the spring when the city is awash with flowers, in the summer when the Herz-Jesu-Kirche glows, in the fall when the Baroque Schloss Eggenberg enthralls, and in the winter when the Graz Christmas Market is a must-see.

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