Mehlplatz

The Mehlplatz 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 square, which has undergone frequent name changes, has a history that dates back to the Middle Ages.The buildings in the vicinity are now home to various bars and restaurants.

The Mehlplatz extends in the shape of a trapezoid from the Färbergasse to the southwest, intersected by the Prokopigasse.There is a narrow passage, commonly referred to as a “Reiche,” that leads to the main square.Färberplatz and Glockenspielplatz are also located nearby.The Mehlplatz is the only square that dates back to the Middle Ages, apart from the main square and the small carillon square.The area was initially referenced in the 15th century as a location “near the Gäubänken,” which were meat banks used by butchers to transport meat from the countryside to the city.The term “flour place” was first recorded in 1785.Throughout its history, it and the nearby Glockenspielplatz have often been regarded as mere extensions of Färbergasse, which they lead past. Both areas were commonly referred to as “Platzln” (nowadays known as “Bläzl” and so on).The names “Plätzl”, “Färberplatzel”, “Pläzl in front of the Abundian dwelling”, or “Abundiläzl” have been passed down as alternative designations.The latter refers to Count Abondio Inzaghi, who rebuilt his magnificent house on the square (Mehlplatz 1) between 1660 and 1666.The house has been home to the tobacco and cameral seal gradient administration since 1816, which is why the square was referred to as Taba(c)kamtsplatzl during that period.

In 1571, the Mehlplatz underwent an expansion due to the desire of Wolfgang (Wolf) von Stubenberg to improve the view from his residence at Mehlplatz No. 2. To achieve this, he purchased a neighboring town house and had it demolished. Apart from this alteration, the area has remained largely unchanged without any significant developments. The Mehlplatz has become a popular part of Graz’s “Bermuda Triangle” due to its abundance of bars and restaurants. This area in the old town is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary offerings. The Schubert cinema has been located at Mehlplatz 2 since 1923.

• Mehlplatz 1 – The Palais Inzaghi is a detached, L-shaped building that separates the Flour Square from the Dyer Square. It can be traced back to the 16th century. Johann Georg Stengg was responsible for the current baroque design of the main facade that faces the Mehlplatz. The south facade of Färberplatz still retains numerous Renaissance elements, such as a bay window, which were later enhanced during the Baroque period.
• Mehlplatz 2 – The palace, which is listed and has an elongated structure with two courtyards, was constructed between 1648 and 1568 specifically for Wolfgang von Stubenberg. The two Renaissance portals, which date from this period, include the eastern (right) one that is considered one of the most beautiful in Graz. In approximately 1720, the building underwent renovations to serve as the courtyard of the Pöllau Abbey. The Counts of Kottulinsky made additional changes to the structure in 1785/90, and it was during this time that the slab-style façade was added. In 1999, on the occasion of an exhibition called “The Colors Black” at the Joanneum State Museum, they were painted black. The Schubert cinema has occupied the ground floor of the building since 1923.
• Mehlplatz 3 – The town house on the transition to Glockenspielplatz is believed to have been developed from at least two houses dating back to the first half of the 16th century. The ground floor of the building has a well-preserved late Gothic vault. The house underwent expansions during the 17th and 18th centuries, and its current facade was constructed in the late 18th century.
• Mehlplatz 4 – The listed building is a grand town house, believed to have been constructed around 1708 using pre-existing structures. The remarkable facade of the house features colossal pilasters, intricate stucco work, and a Madonna relief that dates back to the time when the house was constructed.