Glockenspielplatz

The Glockenspielplatz is a square located in Graz.The location of the place is in the Inner City district, which is also the historical center of the city.The small square was named after the Graz glockenspiel, which has been ringing there since 1905.

The Glockenspielplatz is a small, trapezoidal area that likely originated as a square during the Middle Ages.The houses that exist today were built in the 15th and 16th centuries.Throughout its history, it and the adjacent Mehlplatz have often been considered as extensions of the Färbergasse, which leads past them. Both areas were commonly referred to as “Platzln” (also known as “Bläzl” in contemporary times).The name “Flying Field” was given to the area in the mid-18th century, possibly because of its small size.In 1903, Gottfried Simon Maurer, the owner of house no. 4 and a spirits manufacturer, obtained permission from the municipal council to install a carillon in his residence.The play was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1905 and rapidly gained popularity as a major attraction in Graz.In February 1908, the municipal council made the decision to rename “Fliegenplatz” to “Glockenspielplatz” due to the perception that the former name was unattractive.The adjacent street, originally known as “Fliegengasse,” was later renamed “Glockenspielgasse.” However, in 1935, it was politically renamed “Abraham-a-Santa-Clara-Gasse.”

The Glockenspielplatz has become a popular destination in Graz’s old town, thanks to its abundance of bars and restaurants. It is now considered a vibrant part of the city’s “Bermuda Triangle,” known for its culinary delights and lively nightlife.

• Glockenspielplatz 2 & 3 – Beneath the seemingly similar facade lie two older structures that were united in 1903. The secessionist-themed exterior is noteworthy, especially the mosaics of dressed-up people created by artist Bela Konrad.
• Glockenspielplatz 4 – The carillon tower atop the listed structure with its distinctive gable was given the name “Nuremberg’s Heusl” in 1596. It was owned by the Jesuit College, also known as the “small Jesuit House,” from 1649 until 1773. From 1795 to 1825, it functioned as the Imperial and Royal Police Headquarters. After purchasing the home in 1884, Gottfried Simon Maurer installed the Graz carillon between 1903 and 1905. Friedrich Sigmundt and Georg Hönel simultaneously produced the late historicist/Secessionist facade.
• Glockenspielplatz 5 – Built in the late Renaissance on the site of numerous previous structures, the expansive, listed city palace had a floor added in 1840 and underwent a Baroque renovation. The Glockenspielplatz’s distinctive corner bay window and entrances are examples of Renaissance architecture. Remarkable is the baroque staircase in the inner courtyard (1690–1697), one of the few in all of Graz.
• Glockenspielplatz 6 – The 16th-century town house is listed and has a smooth, kinked facade. The courtyard has Renaissance arches that have been restored.The amazing Mary with the Child sandstone niche statue was created in 1720 and is credited to Marx Schokotnigg.
  
• Glockenspielplatz 7 – Constructed in 1640 by Katharina Elisabeth von Galler, the late Renaissance complex features a late Gothic precursor. The late Gothic overhang is still present on the street side. Added a facade in the panel style. Remarkable is the inner courtyard with its arcades and partially exposed sgraffito ornamentation.