Graz - the second largest city in Austria - is comfortably located in the south-west of the country. The grandeur of architectural buildings in the Renaissance and Baroque style combined with modern buildings gives it a special charm. What sights of Graz must be visited, read the article below.
Graz Clock Tower
The clock tower is one of the main symbols of the city. It is she who is most often captured on commemorative postcards and magnets with views of the Austrian city. This attraction is located on Mount Schlossberg, which offers the best panorama of Graz. The first mention of the tower dates back to the XII century, but historians do not exclude that its age is older.
The clock tower is decorated with an ancient clock of 1712, however, the mechanism in them had to be changed. Three old bells hang in their places. One of them still beats time, but it dates back to the 13th century.
During the Napoleonic campaigns, the architectural structure was preserved only thanks to popular love. After the order of the French emperor to demolish it, people paid a large ransom, if only the symbol of Graz remained with them.
Eggenberg Castle
One of the country's most famous residences, a UNESCO-protected facility, the largest residence in southwestern Austria - all this is about Eggenberg Castle. In 1625, Prince Eggenburg gave the order for the construction of the estate, personifying its high status. Unfortunately, the construction was completed after the death of the prince, but to this day the castle is the most important attraction of Graz (photo below).
In 1666, the walls of the building were decorated with 600 paintings, available for viewing now. A hunting museum and a gallery of old masters are open on site.
The prince's hobby for astrology is known, therefore the garden has 12 gates (by analogy with the number of months of the year), the castle has 24 service rooms (hours in a day), 52 rooms (weeks of the year) and 365 windows (days of the year).
The park and gardens of Eggenberg Castle are open for walks from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in the winter months to 5 p.m., the gallery and museum are open during the season from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and in winter only by appointment. You can get into the chambers of the castle only with a guide.
The legendary battle museum of Graz
Graz's Arsenal is an important place on the city map. If you plan to explore the sights of Graz in one day, be sure to visit this museum.
The arsenal built in the 16th century initially had the function of a warehouse, so that in the event of an attack by the Ottoman Empire, citizens could quickly take armor and weapons. The building on 4 floors was erected in the Baroque style, and it is decorated with the Roman gods of war and battles - Mars and Minerva. Inside the arsenal are magnificent wooden arches and galleries.
This landmark of Graz is considered one of the largest collections of weapons in the world. In the museum you can see exhibits from the first primitive guns to the first firearms.
Knightly armor, horse harness and musical instruments that once accompanied battles and campaigns are interesting. The museum is suitable for family visits.
Graz architectural landmark: Gesting castle
On the northern outskirts of Graz is an ancient building - the Gesting castle, built in the XI century. It is considered destroyed, but for its age it has been preserved perfectly. Originally served as a strategic place defending the city from the Turks and Hungarians. But the explosion of gunpowder in 1723 destroyed a considerable part of the buildings. At the foot of the mountain, the owners of the castle built New Gesting in the Baroque style.
It is easy to get to the old castle - convenient trails are laid from Castle Square to the top of the mountain. A tourist will spend about half an hour climbing. There is a tavern on the mountain where you can have a hearty lunch and have a look at the surroundings.
Fans of architectural monuments should see another attraction of Graz - the Zaurau Palace. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, built in the Baroque-Renaissance style. The palace is decorated with wrought-iron gates of exquisite work, and the courtyard is lined with cobblestones, popularly called grack dumplings. In the castle itself, a tourist can admire the Renaissance arcades.
The heart of the city - Hauptplatz
If you want to explore all the main sights of Graz (Austria) in one day, start from its center - Hauptplatz. Arriving here, you can inspect the town hall building. It was rebuilt several times and even planned to demolish a couple of nearby houses built in the late Middle Ages. The townspeople stepped in and defended the true face of Graz, the buildings remained intact.
On the Hauptplatz square, a 16th-century pharmacy and Johann's fountain are noteworthy. It is decorated with four figures of women symbolizing the four main rivers of this land.
Tired tourists in the square can find a cafe with local cuisine and good drinks.
Natural attractions of the city: Lurgrot
If you are tired of exploring the magnificent monuments of architecture, then set off 25 km from the city. There you can take a look at the natural landmark of Graz (Austria) - the largest grotto in the whole country. In 1894, it was discovered by researcher M. Brunello. And in the same year, 9 people were walled up in the cave due to underground flooding. They were saved, and Lurgrot immediately became famous throughout Austria.
A trip to the grotto is best started from Zemriakh. In addition to fantastic underground landscapes, you will see the thickest stalactite in a hanging position, a huge hall called the Big Dome. The ceiling height in the hall is 40 meters! A very strong impression is left by the Grotto of Rain, which is also highlighted for greater persuasiveness.
Researchers found near the grotto the remains of the parking lot of ancient people - Neanderthals. This means that the natural attractions of Graz in Austria are at least 50 thousand years old. Going here (especially in the warm season), remember that the air temperature in the depths of the cave does not rise above +10 ° . Take care of clothes.
Hiking enthusiasts should visit the Barentschutzkamm Gorge. The main thing is to do this from May to October. The trail goes through a very beautiful area along the Mur River and through its waterfalls. Book for at least six hours round-trip.
Tal village near Graz
Just three kilometers from the city is another interesting place where there is something to look at - the village of Tal. Its main trump card is the picturesque Lake Thalersee, where in the summer they go fishing and boating, and in winter - skiing and ice skating.
Tourists travel to the village to take a look at the unusual church of St. Jacob. It was built in the 18th century, and modernized at the end of the 20th century. The artist E. Fuchs attached a glass building to the old church tower. The gravel path that leads to the annex is symbolic, since St. Jacob was a pilgrim and patron of them.
The altar, walls and floor inside are made of crystal glass, it is fantastically beautifully shimmers. Sex, by the way, symbolizes the Sea of Galilee.
25 km from Graz is another beautiful and popular destination for tourists - the city of Fronleiten.
It is a quiet and photogenic town. A good solution would be to rent bicycles and ride along the quiet streets, marveling at the local beauties.
Legend of Modern Urban Planning: Kunsthaus
The building of the art gallery in Graz is known far beyond the city limits. The blue biomorph building is either like a floating ball or a zeppelin and invariably attracts the eyes of passers-by. The shape of the gallery is interesting, but its design is also innovative. Sights of the city of Graz (Austria) - these are mainly ancient buildings. The authorities wanted to receive the title of the cultural capital of Europe.
There is no permanent exhibition in the art gallery; the exposition periodically changes there. It hosts a variety of exhibitions (paintings, sculptures, design, photographs). Cultural events are also held at the Kunsthaus.
Under the roof of a fantastic building is an observation deck with a view of the historic part of Graz. The upper part of the Kunsthaus is the light elements that the computer controls. The light ring installation informs residents and tourists about the exhibitions held in the gallery. Also, the upper part of the building has nozzles pointing north to receive sunlight. One nozzle is aimed at the main attraction of Graz - the clock tower.