Streets & Squares in Graz
Second-biggest city in Austria, Graz is well-known for its vast system of streets and squares that highlight both historical significance and outstanding architectural beauty.
Herrengasse is a unique street, set apart by its majestic boulevard and fine mansions that exude an unmistakable aristocratic charm. Hauptplatz, sometimes called the main square, is the lively heart of the city and is encircled by a number of Renaissance and medieval buildings.
Nestled in the charming Old Town of Graz, Sporgasse is a charming street lined with quaint cafés and handcraft shops. From Schlossbergplatz, at the foot of the well-known Schlossberg hill, visitors are treated to stunning panoramic views of the city.
With its convenient access to several transit choices, Jakominiplatz is a bustling transportation hub. Karmeliterplatz, on the other hand, offers guests a calm and quiet setting in which to rest.
Historic sites and architecture aficionados will find Franziskanerplatz, a Gothic architectural marvel, to be an enthralling destination. Griesplatz is a lively example of Graz’s gastronomic diversity, complete with an outdoor market.
Graz’s long history is opened up by the triumphant Eisernes Tor. The Andreas-Hofer-Platz, so called after the Tyrolean hero, is a major representation of Graz’s close ties to Austrian history.
Graz’s maze-like system of streets and squares is steeped in history, making them important cultural sites as well as useful navigational aids.
Square at the Iron Gate
In Graz’s Inner City, between Opernring and Herrengasse, is the Iron Gate district, so named after the old city gate. Known by another name, the gate, the Ungar Gate was built in the fifteenth century to mark the breach in the old Jewish ghetto wall in Graz.
Building started after the ghetto was dissolved in 1439. After the city expanded southward, the gate was destroyed, and Domenico dell’Allio started building the late Renaissance ring of defenses in the middle of the 16th century. At the new gate site, which resembled the outer Paulustor, was a police jail complex.
The Turkish Column, often referred to as the Marian Column, is a part of a group that includes the fountain at Iron Gate. It is a monument to the realization of a commitment made on August 1, 1664, during the Turkish wars, in the wake of Count Raimondo Montecuccoli’s victorious fight of Mogersdorf. It is located at the southernmost point of the Herrengasse view line. Designed by Tassilo Hüller, who also created the fountain outside the Iron Gate, the column was built in 1928.
Supporting the Marian Column is a stepped pedestal with a square foundation of Salzburg marble attached. Four cartouches with inscriptions rise over the column. The base of the titular, gilded statue of Maria Immaculata is a Corinthian bronze column built in Vienna in 1646, inspired by the Marian column Am Hof.
Andreas Hofer Square
Andreas-Hofer-Platz is a square located in the Inner City of Graz on the western outskirts 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. Built in 1620, the plaza had strong quay walls to protect it. The area was included into the city defenses in the early 17th century and was known as Kälbernes Viertel during the Middle Ages.
In 1654 the Discalced Carmelite convent was founded, and the monastery church was dedicated in 1660. After a major flood in 1657, the fortifications along the Mur’s banks were extended to the north, and security reasons forced the riverbed to be closed. Early in the 17th century, Joseph II declared the city to be a “open city.” Still, the city’s defenses started to progressively crumble.
After the old monastery building was destroyed in 1934, most of the buildings that still dominate the neighborhood were built in the 20th century. The Graz Holding headquarters, built by architect Rambald von Steinbüchel-Rheinwall, is the only noteworthy specimen of classical modern architecture in Graz.
Renamed “August-Assmann-Platz” in 1947, the plaza honors South Tyrolean freedom fighter Andreas Hofer. In the 1960s, local government worked to update the city and improve its accessibility by private vehicle.
Dietrichsteinplatz
Dietrichsteinplatz is a square in the old town of Graz situated in the second district of St. Leonhard and the sixth district of Jakomini. It was built by crossing over a brook in 1882–1883, splitting the square into two smaller portions. The noble Dietrichstein family, who in 1858 decided to give part of their riches to a charity foundation, is honored by the name “Fürst Dietrichsteinplatz”.
The Graz-Puntigam power station on the Mur passes through the plaza, and from its entrance, one may walk dry and upright over the canal. Constrained space and the developing Graz tramway forced the plague column in the square to be moved. The need for a tram and bus line, together with the existence of a waiting lane for taxi drivers and a snack bar, causes traffic congestion in the square. In the vicinity are six streets as well.
The Martin Auer patisserie, which had been housed in two buildings close to the square, moved to Messendorf in 2021. The municipal professional fire department is expanding a small base near the Schörgelgasse exit; in 2021, a neighboring structure was demolished.
Since 1977, the Graz-Puntigam power plant has sponsored students through the “Fürst Dietrichstein’sche Stiftungshaus”. Traditional suburban nature of the square is threatened by modernization issues and the need for a more effective transit infrastructure.
Europaplatz
Europaplatz is a Graz plaza. Place is situated in the districts of V. Gries and IV. Lend. In Graz, the Europaplatz is the principal traffic circle.
The site of the establishment is just next to the major rail station in Graz. It comprises a bus station that serves long-distance, regional, and local buses together with an underground tram stop named Graz Hauptbahnhof (located in the basement).
Serving both regional and long-distance services, the bus station is situated at the northern end, just in front of the station post office’s listed structure.
Originally called Stationsplatz Graz and subsequently Südbahnhof, the main rail station in Graz is a bustling facility. With approximately 42,000 people or 520 trains passing through it every day, it is the busiest rail station in Austria, outside of Vienna.
Twelve main tracks and 10 platform tracks are also part of the main rail station. Every switch and indicator at the station is controlled and configured by the ESTW Graz system.
Besides, platform 21 has a loading area set up especially for automobile trains. Car access to this loading point is now possible via Niesenbergergasse.
Glockenspielplatz
The Glockenspielplatz is a plaza in Graz.The site is in the historical core of the city, the Inner City neighborhood.The little plaza has the name of the Graz glockenspiel, which has been ringing there since 1905.
A little trapezoidal space, the Glockenspielplatz most likely began as a square in the Middle Ages.The current residences date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.Its history has seen it and the nearby Mehlplatz seen as extensions of the Färbergasse, which runs past them. It was usual to call both places “Platzln” (now “Bläzl”).
The city council gave Gottfried Simon Maurer, the proprietor of house number four and a spirits maker, permission to erect a carillon at his home in 1903.First presented on Christmas Eve in 1905, the drama quickly became a big hit in Graz.The city council decided in February 1908 to change “Fliegenplatz” to “Glockenspielplatz” because it thought the previous name was ugly.
With so many taverns and restaurants in the old town of Graz, the Glockenspielplatz has become a well-liked attraction. It is today regarded as a thriving area of the city’s “Bermuda Triangle,” renowned for its nightlife and food.
Färberplatz
Färberplatz is a plaza in Graz, situated in the city’s historical core, the Inner City area. It wasn’t built till the early 1900s, when dyer’s barracks, an old aristocratic mansion, was destroyed. The counts of Wagensberg and Trauttmansdorff built a palace in 1728 that is the oldest structure in the neighborhood. The structure was converted to an orphanage in 1776 and then to a “workhouse” in 1795.
The municipal council recognized the significance of obtaining the dyer’s barracks as a long-term goal and in 1862 formed a panel to create future city policy goals. Following the demolishment of the dyer’s barracks, the commission recognized the need of purchasing the land for 63,000 crowns. Remarkably maintained, two sandstone statues, Samson and Hercules, are now conspicuously on show atop the castle bastion overlooking Graz city park.
With the Prokopigasse in the west and the Färbergasse in the north stretching along the square where the dyer’s barracks were located, the destruction of the barracks created an L-shaped square.
Because of the plethora of clubs and restaurants in the neighborhood, which has earned the moniker “Bermuda Triangle,” it is a busy section of the old town well-known for its food and active nightlife.
Graz Main Square
Graz’s central plaza functions as the market and the major building connection of the city. Enormous fountain honoring Russian-born Austrian Archduke Johann Baptist is part of its trapezoid design. With hints of historicism, late Gothic, baroque, and Biedermeier architecture, the plaza served as the city’s commercial center.
Almost every structure in the area has a facade covered in elaborate artwork or sculpture, most often a Madonna figure in a niche. In the middle of the space stands the 1878-built Archduke Johann Fountain monument. A magnificent emphasis was added to the plaza by the 1887–1893 renovation of the town hall.
All tram lines in Graz except Jakominiplatz serve Hauptplatz. With so many booths encircling the Archduke Johann Fountain, the plaza has the atmosphere of a real medieval marketplace. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in guest gardens, sales booths, or special events within the city.
Enlarged in the early 1960s, the main bridge—now known as the Archduke Johann Bridge—allows vehicle traffic to cross a Murgasse that links the main plaza with Herrengasse. The Hochplatz area is currently pedestrian-only, however cycling is allowed there save for when events are held.
Jakominiplatz
Large square in Graz, the city of Styria, is called Jakominiplatz, or “Jako” for short.It is located shortly south of the Inner City, the original part of the city. Situated next to the main train station in the west end of Graz, the Jakominiplatz and Europaplatz are two significant transit hubs for the Graz Linien and the city of Graz. Here are the stops and transfer sites for all ten bus lines and tram routes.
The postmaster of Cilli in Lower Styria for twenty years, Kaspar Andreas Ritter von Jacomini-Holzapfel-Waasen (1726–1805) also owned important land in front of the southern Graz Bastion. The contemporary Jakomini neighbourhood to the south and Jakominiplatz were thus created.
The first horse-drawn tram in Graz operated in 1878, connecting the main station with Jakominiplatz, or Jackie for short. As the lines to Schillerplatz and Fröhlichgasse were finished in 1880 and 1895, respectively, the plaza emerged as the hub of local transit in the city.
1964 saw the holding of an urban design competition for Jakominiplatz to offer options for carrying out a general traffic plan developed in Graz following 1945. Rebuilding of the plaza included plans for many big high-rise building ideas and the tram’s underground installation.
Karmeliterplatz
Karmeliterplatz is a plaza in Inner City, the first district of Graz, named after a former Carmelite convent.
The square lies halfway between Paulustorgasse, Hettigasse, and Sporgasse.In the east is the peacock garden. In 1578, Archduke Karl II created Karmeliterplatz as the center of a municipal growth. It is a big rectangular compound with closed construction from the 17th century on the north and south. Up to Emperor Ferdinand II built the Carmelite convent in 1629, Karmeliterplatz was called Platz gegen die Burg. Rudolf-Erlbacher-Platz was the name of it from 1938 until 1945.
At the edge of the plaza, close to the almost square fountain, stands the Trinity Column.Previously positioned on the main plaza at the Sackstraße entrance, this had to be moved as the traffic network grew.
Apart from the Karmeliterplatz and the Trinity Column, the Styrian People’s Party offices are now housed in the ancient Palais Galler, which is also worth seeing. Currently used as an event location with an underground parking garage, the Pfauengarten is situated just across from Karmeliterplatz.
Enclosing the area are the remains of the city wall. You may see a corner tower near Sauraugasse’s subterranean parking lot entrance.
Mehlplatz
Graz’s historic Mehlplatz boasts a lengthy Middle Ages past. Situated southwest of the Färbergasse, the area is dotted with bars and eateries.
It was formerly called “near the Gäubänken,” after the meat banks butchers used to get meat from the country to the city. The first mention of “flour place” dates back to 1785.
Mehlplatz and the Glockenspielplatz next door were sometimes thought of as being extensions of Färbergasse. Later on, the splendid palace on the square owned by Count Abondio Inzaghi was referred to as “Platzln.”
Wolfgang von Stubenberg wanted to have a better view from his home at Mehlplatz No. 2, therefore in 1571 the Mehlplatz was expanded. To have a better view, he bought a townhouse next door and destroyed it. Not much has changed in the region.
Because of its plethora of clubs and restaurants, which are renowned for their lively nightlife and wide range of cuisine, the Mehlplatz has grown to be a prominent component of Graz’s “Bermuda Triangle”.
The Schubert movie theater has existed in Mehlplatz 2 since 1923.
Schloßbergplatz
The medieval city defenses are where Schloßbergplatz, a square in Graz’s Inner City, first appeared. At first a military area, the plaza saw the installation of new buildings and gates as the city grew rapidly. In 1694 the region was referred to as the Ursuline Convent, and between 1702 and 1716 the Trinity Church—formerly the monastery church—was constructed.
The square had several name and practical usage changes until the 17th century, when the fish market was moved to Kapaunplatz. Later on in 1665, the plaza was dubbed “Haffnerplätzl,” and in 1703, “Schlosserplätzl.”
The square as it is now was greatly influenced by the building of the “Kriegssteige,” a stairway with overlooks. The pioneers of Infantry Regiment No. 27 and Russian prisoners of war helped to open the Schloßberg route in 1918. The trail’s official name is still “Kriegssteig,” also spelled “Felsensteig” or “Russensteig.”
Within the Schloßberg, during World War II, forced workers built a vast tunnel system that offered around 12,000 square meters of useable area and served several functions. Right now, two tunnels are utilized quietly as a shortcut to the east side of the mountain and as entrances to the Schloßberg lift, Schloßberg slide, and fairy tale train.
Südtiroler Platz
Südtiroler Platz, sometimes called just Südtirolerplatz, is a plaza on the western bank of the Mur River in the old town of Graz. It was built along one of the old major transportation routes in the city and marked the line between the Lend and Gries districts. To honor the cession of South Tyrol to Italy, it was renamed in 1928. Being the oldest and most important bridge in the area, the Archduke Johann Bridge is intimately linked to the history of Graz itself.
The surrounding neighborhood is steeped in history; homes there date back to the late Middle Ages and have seen many changes. Completing in 1848, the Iron House is one noteworthy example. 1845 saw the construction of the first chain bridge, and Joseph Benedict Withalm used an early cast iron skeleton framework to build the iron home. The structure is structurally connected to the Kunsthaus Graz since 2003.
Murvorstadt’s position outside the city walls and handy transportation connections have made it the tavern and entertainment center of Graz for many years. But until the late 20th century, the Murvorstadt was considered as unreputable because of the growth of retail malls, the advent of motorized private transportation, and the collapse of local enterprises. Südtiroler Platz was improved with the building of the Kunsthaus Graz on an open area north of the Iron House when Graz was named the European Capital of Culture in 2003.
St. Andrä Square
St. Andräplatz is a plaza located in the fifth district of Graz, more precisely in the Gries neighborhood.The streets named cross with the Dominikanergasse, Dreihackengasse, Grenadiergasse, and Belgiergasse. Additionally located in the square is the Church of St. Andrä.
Being one of the oldest parts of the mediaeval Murvorstadt, the church hamlet around St. Andräkirche is extremely significant historically. St. Andräkirche used to have its cemetery in the current location of St. Andräplatz. Hygienic concerns led Emperor Joseph II to formally shut the Dominican cemetery in 1807.
The St. Andräplatz as it is now was made possible by the closure.It is clear from the material at hand that the current St. Andräplatz is neither the location of the Andrämarkt or the ancient Straßgangerstrasse, which finished close to St. Andräkirche.
Emperor Joseph II considerably boosted the military presence in Graz, especially near St. Andräkirche, in the early eighteenth century.
The neighboring Dominican convent changed hands in 1808 and was dubbed the “small Dominican barracks” after that. This raises the possibility that the old cemetery used as a parade field.
Herrengasse
Beautiful baroque avenue Herrengasse is located in the heart of Graz. It was once known as Bürgerstraße or Bürgergasse in the Middle Ages.
Within the capital city of Styria, it serves as a major hub of public activities. The bridge connects the major plaza to Am Eisernen Tor square, which is close to Jakominiplatz, Graz’s primary hub for public transit. About running north-south, the walkway parallels the Mur River on its left bank. Herrengasse is a pedestrian zone in Graz that all tram lines run through since November 1972. As such, solo traffic is forbidden.
There has been human habitation in the Herrengasse region since antiquity. There have been finds of Hallstatt era objects during archeological digs in this region.
At the southern end of Herrengasse stood the walled Jewish ghetto, first documented in 1261. It stood where Mesnergasse is presently located.
Graz’s Bürgerstrasse saw a dramatic change between 1457 and 1475. Respected city residents used to live on the street. But it was renamed Herrengasse as more nobility began to buy residences in the neighborhood.
Sackstrasse
The oldest still-existing street in Graz is called Sackstraße. Building of the structure began in the early twelfth century.
Known by most as the Inner Stadt, the first district includes this street.
From Schloßberg and Mur, at the southern end of the main plaza, the route runs all the way to the Kepler Bridge in the north.
Nowadays, the street is quite important as one of the main retail areas in Graz.
Especially art has found its proper home here. One interest group is called “Art Meile Graz.” This term is now often used as a synonym for this avenue.
The reason Sackstraße got its moniker “Sack” originally was that it ended at Reinerhof, which is located at the northernmost point of Graz’s city wall.
The “first sack” was formerly a dead end street. Later on, nevertheless, it gained a northern outlet when the first “Sacktor,” located between Sackstraße No. 17 and No. 20, was built.
Dated to the first part of the 12th century, the alley is well known as the oldest street in the city.
Sporgasse
Slope of the Schloßberg, Sporgasse is a street in the Innere Stadt neighborhood of Graz. The Mur Valley was linked to the Roman Pannonian provincial headquarters of Colonia Claudia Savaria (now Szombathely in Hungary) via the Strata hungarica, a commercial route. The term originated from the Middle Ages sword smiths and spur manufacturers that called this area home.First mentioned in 1346 is Sporergasse, the street. But it was reduced to Sporgasse, the current form, about 1600.
Nowadays, Sporgasse is being developed into a lively pedestrian shopping area.One of the rare streets in Graz where one may study about the architectural past of the city is Sporgasse. Nestled on the corner of the main square is the baroque Luegg-Haus. There is an arcade and a stunning stucco façade to this charming building. An Art Nouveau building with exquisite floral decorations and medallions showing the alluring features of women—some with gold accents—is across the street.
Originally housing the Strehly pastry shop, the house is from the sixteenth century. Established in 1596, the confectionery is among the three oldest in Austria as well as the oldest in Graz and Styria.Further up is the home of the Teutonic Knights in medieval times. The inner courtyard of this home still maintains its original pavement made of “Murnockerln,” which are stones extracted from the Mur river as was traditional in the past.
