Sights of Graz: photo and description. Graz - a walk through the former capital of Austria Graz austria

general information

By the end of the 14th century, Graz was the crown jewel of the Habsburg empire. Frederick III, King of Germany, Duke of Austria and Holy Roman Emperor, immortalized the abbreviation of his motto, AEIOU, or "Austria Est Imperare Orbi Universo" ("Austria shall rule the world"), on some houses in the city. At the beginning of the 19th century, Duke Johann founded the first museum in Austria, setting the direction of cultural development for many years.

Graz has a large natural history museum, but perhaps more interesting museum you can count the Arsenal with a stunning collection of over 30,000 weapons, mostly dating from the 17th century. There are many museums in Graz, but the city itself can hardly be called a museum piece. After all, there are three universities here.

Tourists are attracted by the architecture of the city. Among the attractions - a wonderful palace and its courtyard in the style of the Italian Renaissance, with three-tiered arcades. Schlossberg Castle, Baroque Eggenberg Palace built in the 17th century.

The city has a magnificent cathedral - Domkirche, with an unusual painting on the outside, dating from the 1480s, and next to it is the baroque mausoleum of Ferdinand II.

Graz has long been a city of students, it has four universities with more than 50,000 students. In 2003, Graz was the European Capital of Culture. The Domkirche church and the Schlossberg castle, together with the city's tiled roofs, give Graz a special charm. In 1999, the center of the Old Town of Graz was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

In Graz, such industries as brewing, mechanical engineering, chemical, food and textile industries are developed. The Graz International Fair is an important commercial and industrial event in southeastern Europe.

Graz (Graz), located in southeastern Austria on the territory of Styria, is the second largest city in the country. This city is an organic combination of developed industry and natural beauties (green parks, a river flowing through the city, a mountain), pompous Renaissance and Baroque palaces and ultra-modern architectural structures.

How to get to Graz

By bus

GKB buses operate routes to Deutschlandberg (11 EUR, 1 hour). Most buses depart from the Griesplatz station, some from the Hauptbahnhof station. Post buses run from the Hauptbahnhof throughout the Styria region. Prices on the page are for November 2018.

By train

Trains run from Vienna to Graz every 2 hours (cost 35-50 EUR, travel time 2 h 38 min). From Salzburg, trains leave every 2-3 hours, and tickets will cost 24-70 EUR (journey time 4 hours). International trains to Graz depart from stations in Croatia, Slovenia and Hungary: from Zagreb (3.5 hours), Ljubljana (3.5 hours), Budapest (5.5 hours) and Szentgotthard (1.5 hours).

By plane

Graz Airport is located 10 km from the city centre. In addition to domestic flights from Vienna and Linz, planes from Germany and the UK arrive at the local airport. From the airport to the city can be reached by train or bus, reaching the Hauptbahnhof station.

Search for flights to Vienna (nearest airport to Graz)

Transport in Graz

You can travel around the city by trams and buses. The ticket costs 2.40 EUR and is valid for 1 hour; a daily ticket costs 5.30 EUR, you can buy them from the driver. Tickets for a week or a month can be purchased at tobacconists, vending machines or tourist offices.

Bicycles can be rented for 10 EUR per day at the Bicycle rental shop (address: Körösistrasse 5).

Weather in Graz

Due to its location southeast of the Alps, Graz is protected from the prevailing westerly winds blowing from the North Atlantic. In this regard, the weather in Graz is more under the influence of the Mediterranean. So here large quantity sunny days a year than Vienna or Salzburg, and less rainfall.

Trip to Graz

Kitchen

You can try traditional Austrian cuisine at the Landhauskeller restaurant (Schmiedgasse, 9). Exotic option - Aiola Upstairs on observation deck on the Schlossberg mountain, it is located in a glass pavilion with a large outdoor terrace and gives its guests amazing views of the city and surroundings. Altsteirische Schmankerlstubn is a stone's throw from Schlossberg Castle and specializes in traditional cuisine Styria (Sackstrasse, 10).

Maps of Graz

Guides in Graz

Popular hotels in Graz

shopping

The main shopping street in Graz is Herrengasse. In the very center of the city is the largest shopping center Graz Kastner+Öhler. There are also several malls on the outskirts of the city: Shopping City Seiersberg, Shopping Center West, Murpark.

In Graz, you should definitely buy Kernöl pumpkin seed oil, which is a highlight of the Styria region.

Entertainment and attractions in Graz

The historic center of Graz combines buildings of various eras and architectural styles - from Gothic to modern - and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. The most outstanding monuments of Graz are the Schlossberg castle on the mountain and part of it - the Urturm clock tower, which has become a symbol of the city.

Bridge Island Murinzel

In Graz, on the River Mur, a unique Murinsel Island Bridge was built, designed by the American artist Vito Acconci after the city received the title of European Capital of Culture in 2003. Murinsel looks like a high-tech floating platform, partly open, partly glazed, which is connected by passages to the banks of the river. This giant "sea shell" is 50 meters long, 20 meters wide and can accommodate up to 350 visitors. During the day it looks just like an unusual structure, but in the evening and at night they turn on a bluish backlight, and the waves are reflected in the glass fragments of the bridge, and the lights of Murinzel are reflected in the water. Inside there is a cafe and a playground-maze.

art museums

In 2003, another object appeared, which became another symbol of Graz - by the way, it is located not far from Murinsel. Museum of Contemporary Art "Kunsthaus"(Kunsthaus) attracts attention with its appearance alone. The building was built in an unusual blob style, suggesting that the buildings should be amorphous, reminiscent of amoebas. Luminous parts are installed on the facade, and at night you can see changing installations on the walls. Because of the ultra-modern shape, the Kunsthaus got a second name - Friendly Alien. Exhibitions are constantly changing, everything about the current expositions and schedule can be found on the Kunsthaus website (in English).

Art Museum Neue Galerie in addition to creativity contemporary artists also stores earlier works (beginning from the middle of the 19th century). The collection of the "New Gallery" includes canvases and installations made in a variety of styles - from realism to Art Nouveau and conceptual art. Here you can see both a permanent exhibition, including works by famous masters like Klimt, Schiele, Kokoschka, as well as very interesting temporary exhibitions. This museum also supports young, obscure artists. Details of the gallery's projects and opening hours can be found on the Neue Galerie website (in English).

What else to see in Graz:

the building of the land parliament Landhaus, built in the Renaissance style;
Mausoleum-tomb of Emperor Ferdinand II, erected at the beginning of the 17th century;
Graz Castle, located near the Cathedral of St. Egidius,
Eggenberg Castle on the outskirts of Graz, listed world heritage UNESCO.

Developments

The biggest annual festivals in Graz are:

spring festival(May or June) - five-day major festival electronic music, art, design and technology. Every year the time of the event changes, the current dates and program can be viewed on the festival website.
Styriarte, or "The Art of Styria" (end of June - end of July) - festival classical music lasting a whole month. Jazz and klezmer performances will be added in 2018, a detailed program can be found on the Styriarte website (in English).
Jazzsomer Graz(July August) - jazz festival with 20 years of history.
Steirischer Herbst (September) - Europe's oldest contemporary art festival (since 1968). It brings together art, music, performance, dance, theatre, literature, architecture and public debate.

A must to visit in Graz. This city ranks second in terms of area in Austria, and also has the status of the capital of Styria. Today Graz is powerful industrial centre. But this did not prevent him from preserving many historical medieval sights.

The fact that Graz is the birthplace of the world-famous Arnold Schwarzenegger also adds to the popularity of the city. Most of the city's population is made up of students, because there are four universities that are among the oldest and largest educational institutions in Europe.

In order to enjoy the rest and spectacles in Austria, it is recommended to visit Graz in the summer. After all, it was then that various interesting events and festivals take place on the territory of the city. This, for example, concert festival"Totenstieri", as well as the festival of classical music "Stiriart".

If you want to touch the history and culture of Graz, you should definitely visit such outstanding sights of Graz as the Schlossberg Fortress and Clock tower, Landhaus and Arsenal, Eggenberg Castle and Town Hall. And this is only a small part of those outstanding sights that are concentrated in this Austrian city.

Schlossberg Castle is the most popular and favorite tourist attraction in Graz. He grew up on a green mountain in 1125 and still towers over the red-tiled roofs of the city.

One of the elements of the castle complex and the symbol of the city is the Clock Tower. The original clock mechanism, which was installed in it in 1712, still works in it. There are many urban legends and love stories associated with this tower. Couples in love make dates near her and kiss for the first time.

The Landhaus building is the seat of the Stryrian Parliament. But, besides this, this building is a unique architectural structure of the Italian style. The palace has a magnificent facade, which is decorated with the coat of arms of the city and huge sculptures. The courtyard is also striking in its beauty: arcades on each of the three floors, a bronze well and a cast gazebo, copper drainpipes. The interior of the building is also striking in its luxury - handmade tapestries, carved wood, stucco, rich textile decor. All this leaves indelible impressions in the memory.

Not far from the Landhaus building is the largest armory in the world. The Arsenal began to collect its collection from 1551. Initially, the building was a storage for weapons and ammunition, since Graz has always been one of the main defense outposts of Austria. Today, the museum has collected more than 30 thousand samples of a wide variety of weapons. The Arsenal building itself is a unique architectural structure - a baroque gate, in the middle - statues of the gods Mars and Minerva.

The pearl of Austrian architecture is the castle-palace Eggenberg, which was built in 1625. This building is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The architecture of the castle corresponds to Buddhist traditions. In total, the castle has 365 windows. Thus, throughout the day, sunlight spreads inside the castle. Spread around the castle wonderful park with twelve gates.

Four towers, which are located in the corners of the palace, are symbols of the seasons and natural elements. The uniqueness of this building lies in the fact that it is completely different from other buildings of that time. After all, during the times of luxury and masterpiece of the Renaissance, this simple and elegant castle looked very unusual and not traditional, and this deserved increased attention to its “person”.

Graz (Graz) the center of the federal state of Styria, the second largest city in Austria, has more than 250 thousand inhabitants.
By the way, in almost all fragments of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (except Slovakia), the capital is a million-plus city (Vienna, Prague, Budapest), the city following it is 5-7 times less in population.
We got into the city on the way to Vienna, the time was allocated 4 hours for everything about everything.
The city is divided by the flowing river into old and new. A little further you will see the difference.
Those who decide to go for photo shoots, get ready, the medieval part reminds Italian cities, and often built by the Italians. As a result - narrow streets, you need to take a wide-angle and rush around in search of an angle.

1. Unconditional dominant of the city

2. They are

At the top of the Schlossberg mountain there is a clock tower. The clock has been working since 1712, and the clock mechanism is still almost from the original parts, and the signal bell is one of the oldest bells in Austria - 1382.
Since we climbed the mountain, we will definitely look around. Actually, the city began from this mountain. He bore the Slavic name Hradec, and a castle was built on this mountain in the 12th century.
Some of the remains of the buildings are still visible today. Around the clock tower there is a square with flower beds and an observation deck.
3. There is also a map with the main attractions

4. View of the town hall and the Main Square (Hauptplatz).

5.

6. Behind the second mountain on the right is the village of Tal, where Arno? Ice Alo? Is Schwarzene?ger was born.

He periodically comes to his small homeland, and as the locals say, he was going to buy land.
7. But this sheared marine echinoderm stands on the other side of the river in the new city.

Modern shopping center. This gallery on the side appeared when the architect's pen fell on the layout. And he saw that it was good.
Honestly, it looks like artists and architecture ended in the 20s of the last century. True, we must pay tribute to the Austrian authorities, they are trying to minimize the damage caused by the new building of the historical part.
How to get to the mountain? There are several ways - either use the elevator, which will take you to the top through the thickness of the mountain, or the funicular, or legs - up the stairs, called the military road.
8. Military Road

On the right is the tunnel - the entrance to the elevator. The military road during the First World War was built by Russian prisoners of war.
We acted in a compromise - we were lifted up by an electric motor in a glass elevator cabin, and went down the stairs. There are many turns, platforms-balconies for rest and review, small arches-tunnels.
9.

10. Not to be unfounded - the street of the old city. Width - 2-2.5 meters.

We started our tour in a different place.
Burg - located next to the Graz Cathedral and the Mausoleum. Residence of the emperor in the 15th century. Heavily rebuilt. There is a date on the corner of one of the buildings in the complex.
11. Decipher if you can

Burg has a Gothic double staircase.
12. This photo is taken from venagid.ru

13. She

14.

15. Cathedral inside

16.

17.

18. Mausoleum

19. Entrance to the house.

20. Institution

21. Range and prices

As you can see, it is difficult to call Austria a cheap country.
22.Glockenspielplatz (Square bell ringing)

23. The top of the clock

At 11, 15 and 18 hours, two doors under the clock open and two figures in national costumes dance to the sound of bells.
By the way, the clock was installed at the end of the 19th century, and in the twentieth century the square was renamed
24. House on the same square

True, most of our streets are wider than this square, but the atmosphere there is very pleasant.
25. Characteristic for Italian medieval architecture - a transition between two streets with small shops inside.

26. Stucco

27. I really love beautiful signs

28. Lanterns

29. And hatches

30. One of the old houses, courtyard

31. Medieval and tram

32. Another patio

33. City Arsenal

Anyone interested in weapons - without fail to visit. Over 30,000 exhibits dating back to the Middle Ages.
34. Landhaus (Landeszeughaus) outside

35. Inside

36. There is a well in the yard

37.

38. Yakuza house will definitely like it.

39. Main Square

The square has the shape of a trapezoid, in the middle of which there is a monument-fountain to Archduke Johan.
40. To the left of the fountain is the town hall.

41. Luegg - the name of the house on the corner of the main square and Sporgasse comes from the German "ums Eck lugen" ("look around the corner")

If you look closely at the stucco, you can see faces and masks.
42.

43.

44. Three Graces

45. Famous local bakery

46. She

47.

48. These are chimneys

49.

50. Well, you understand, right?

51.

What can I say? Having already arrived home and read about the city, I realized that I had not even looked at half of the interesting things.
If you visit museums and palaces, take a thoughtful walk around the city, you probably need at least two days.
And for young people - there are 4 higher educational institutions and 36 thousand students in the city. It remains only to learn German.

Population - 242.001 people.

Graz is large (the second largest in Austria), but at the same time quite a provincial city. It is simply impossible not to love him. All visitors are welcome here, and therefore one should not be afraid to interfere with someone. The city can be compared to a house that is not cleaned before the arrival of guests, on the contrary, its doors are always wide open.

And yet Graz is the capital of Styria. However, those who want to understand the essence of this country must start their journey from here. This and Old city, and the city is modern, and the villages located around it are also interesting. Where else can you take a walk from the city to the village and from the village to the city, if not in Graz. In this incredibly vibrant city, the old and the young are closely intertwined with each other.

History

Graz has many stories. Let's first look back into the centuries: this story begins about 900 years ago and tells that in the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance the city was a brilliant residence of the Habsburgs and that today it has one of the best preserved historical Old Towns of Central Europe as a legacy of those times. . Then, a romantic story: hidden courtyards, renaissance buildings, southern vibes and lots of love. And finally, a story about opposites: classical and jazz, tradition and modern, literature, festivals such as "styriarte" ("Art of Styria") and "steirischer herbst" ("Styrian autumn"). As already mentioned, Graz has many stories.

Attractions Graz

green mountain rises 473 m above the unique landscape of the red tiles of Graz. Once upon a time there was a fortress on this mountain, but very little of its massive structures has survived. The remains of the fortress, such as the Casemates, exist today as a beautifully restored outdoor stage. (There are many options for climbing this attraction. The most convenient option is the mountain cable car).

Clock tower

The culmination of every excursion is the Schlossberg mountain and symbol of the city. Her heart has been beating for Graz since 1712 - and still with the original clockwork and one of the country's oldest bells (1382). Numerous love stories wind around the tower with a characteristic wooden passage next to the ivy. By the way, this is also a symbol: many residents of the town kiss here for the first time.

cable car Schlossberg

The Schlossberg cable car is, in fact, a funicular that has been taking visitors up the mountain at a slope of 61% since 1894. When descending, the impressive steep steps of the military road, carved into the rock during the First World War, which leads to the colorful Schlossberg Square, are especially recommended.

Arsenal

The armory next to the Landhaus Graz is a real masterpiece.
Since 1551, various weapons have been collected and stored here. The arsenal today has the largest collection of historical weapons in the world.
Absolutely "invulnerable" proof: there are more than 30,000 exhibits.

town hall

She is on south side The main square, animated by numerous market stalls, is already the third town hall in exactly the same place. In the center of the Main Square is the fountain of Archduke Johann as a memory of the "Prince of Styria", the founder of the Joanneum Museum, from which the Technical University grew.

Luegg

Strange name house on the corner of the main square and Sporgasse comes from the German "ums Eck lugen" ("to look around the corner"). Starting from this house with rich baroque stucco decorations (those who look carefully will see masks and faces), the street is lively. And this is from the 13th century. Thus, today's "Shopping Mall" Graz is older than you might think.

Sporgasse

One of the city's most romantic lanes, narrow and steep, meanders along the Schlossberg mountain. Worth seeing: the idyllic cobbled courtyard of the House of the German Order of Knights at number 10.

Graz is a city of the Italian Renaissance, the crown of which is a courtyard surrounded by arcades. The house and courtyard are a masterpiece of 16th-century fortress architecture by Domenico del Allio, today they serve as a wonderful backdrop for concerts and performances on the open stage.

Sachstrasse

They don't buy a "pig in a poke" (the German word "Sack" means "sack"), but beautiful antiques. At the corner of the Schlossberg square is the Palais Attems, a Baroque pearl, which houses the offices of the avant-garde festival "steirischer herbst" and the music festival "styriarte". Opposite the staircase begins on the Schlossberg, which leads through the Herbersteingartenk garden to the Clock Tower.

Saurau Palace

Vigilant observers will see a figure of a Turkish warrior under the roofing cornice of this building (at first this figure was used in tournaments, then it was placed on the house).

Burg (fortress)

This imposing building houses today the seat of the government of Styria. Here you can admire the famous double spiral staircase built in 1499 in late Gothic style. Worth seeing: When the sun goes down, the sandstone shines with many colors.

Hofgasse

Of special interest is the 100-year-old inlaid carved portal of the Edegger-Tax court bakery. Since 1569, the family-owned business has been offering all visitors the delights of traditional Styrian pastries.

Opera

It was built in 1898-1899 according to the plans of the most famous theater architects in Europe, Felner and Helmer. Here is an impressive meeting of modernity and tradition: the lightsaber, controversial at first, is today a symbol of openness to the world.

Luxurious decoration of the interior of the opera in Graz.

glockenspielplatz (Square of the bell ringing)

It is best to stop here at 11, 15 or 18 hours. At this time, two window sashes come off in the pediment and, to the sound of bells, a couple carved from wood in national costumes begins to rotate. This couple, with great patience, has been going on such a walk for almost 100 years to the nearest minute.

Cathedral and Mausoleum

The Gothic Cathedral was erected by Emperor Frederick III in 1438 as the city's parish and court church. In 1614, the Mausoleum was built by the architect Pietro de Pomis on behalf of Emperor Ferdinand II. Together with the Burg, the Theater and the old Jesuit University, the Cathedral with the Mausoleum form the so-called "city crown of Graz". Tip: Be sure to see the Cathedral from the inside!

winter palm garden

A flourishing example of young architecture and an attractive contrast to the old villas and gardens. Project by Volker Ginke, a representative of the well-known school of Graz.

university

Since 1585, it has been an important university city of Graz with international renown. (Particularly desirable are places at the only jazz faculty in Europe). More than 40 thousand students guarantee that night life also stand any test.

peasant markets

Since the gardens and orchards of Styria begin immediately after Graz, peasant markets have left a unique imprint on the picture of this city since time immemorial. It is always interesting to look at the peasant markets at Kaiser-Josef-Platz and Lendplatz. Here you can buy Styrian national products, such as pumpkin seed oil or beans.

A new look every day: 365 windows make it possible! The largest and most luxurious castle in Styria was built in 1625 in the Mannerist style, the baroque and rococo enchant inside. Today it is the site of numerous musical performances. The huge park is perfect for playing hide-and-seek.

What is the best way to build a walking route around the city

Pl. Hauptplatz: city hall - Franciscan church - st. Neutorgasse: Johanneum collection - st. Landhausgasse - st. Herrengasse: Landhaus (state parliament building): arched vaults of the inner courtyard, fountain - Landeszeughaus armory - Opera theatre- city park - Leechskirche church - castle - Cathedral- mausoleum - ringing of bells - st. Fairbergasse - pl. Haupplatz - st. Saxstrasse - emb. Emperor Franz Josef: funicular to Schlossberg mountain: bell tower, fortifications, clock tower, panorama - Paulustor gate - st. Sporgasse - pl. Hauptplatz.
The duration of the route is 2 hours without detailed sightseeing.