Sporgasse

Sporgasse is a street located in the Innere Stadt district, situated on the slope of the Schloßberg in Graz.

The Strata hungarica, which was a trade route connecting the Mur Valley and the Roman Pannonian provincial capital of Colonia Claudia Savaria (now known as Szombathely in Hungary), has been in existence since Roman times.The name of this place originated from the spur makers and weapon smiths who resided here during the Middle Ages.The street, Sporergasse, was initially mentioned in 1346. However, around 1600, its name was shortened to its current form, Sporgasse.

Currently, Sporgasse has been transformed into a bustling shopping street, primarily designated for pedestrians.There are few streets in Graz where you can learn about the city’s architectural history as well as on Sporgasse.Located at the corner of the main square, you will find the baroque Luegg-Haus. This impressive building boasts a magnificent stucco facade and an arcade.Across from here stands an Art Nouveau building adorned with intricate floral decorations and medallions featuring the elegant profiles of women, a few of which are embellished with gold accents.A short distance ahead, you will come across a baroque building with a grand portal that features a magnificent equestrian portrait of St. John of Nepomuk.

The house, which once housed the Strehly pastry shop, has a rich history dating back to the 16th century.The confectionery, which dates back to 1596, is not only the oldest in Graz and Styria, but also one of the three oldest in Austria.Located further up is the historic house of the Teutonic Knights. The inner courtyard of this house still retains its original pavement made of “Murnockerln,” which are stones sourced from the Mur river, as was the traditional practice in the past.Hidden behind its unassuming exterior, lies a former Augustinian monastery that has been transformed into the renowned “Stiegenkirche”.Located at the upper end of Sporgasse, you will discover “Goldene Pate,” one of the oldest inns in Graz. An architecturally significant feature in Graz is the round oriel, which dates back to the Renaissance period and is one-of-a-kind in the city.Across from the Palais Saurau stands the “falling Turk,” a subject of various myths and legends.