City of Graz Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg

Guide to City of Graz - Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Location and History
  3. Graz - Historic Centre
  4. Schloss Eggenberg
  5. Tips for Visitors
  6. Getting Around
  7. When to Visit
  8. Where to Stay and Eat
  9. Additional Resources

Introduction

Welcome to the enchanting city of Graz, the second largest city in Austria! With its stunning historic centre, UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and the magnificent Schloss Eggenberg, Graz offers a unique blend of Baroque architecture, vibrant culture, and modern energy. This guide will help you explore the best of Graz’s history, art, and natural beauty.

Location and History

Graz is located in southeastern Austria, near the border with Slovenia. It has a rich history dating back to Roman times, with its current form largely shaped by the Habsburgs during the 16th-18th centuries. The historic centre is characterized by an intricate network of narrow, cobbled streets lined with colorful Baroque buildings and medieval structures.

Graz - Historic Centre

Heritage Sites and Monuments

  • Uhrturm (Tower Clock) – a 15th-century clock tower offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Landhaushof – an impressive Renaissance palace complex housing various museums, including the Museum of Natural History Styria.
  • Murinsel – an artificial island built in the Mur River to provide a habitat for aquatic plants and animals.
  • Burg Graz (Graz Castle) – ruins of a medieval castle overlooking the city.

Museums and Galleries

  • Universität kunsthistorisches museum (UKM) – showcasing an extensive collection of art from various periods and cultures.
  • Museum der Moderne – dedicated to contemporary art and design, with a focus on Austrian artists.
  • Arsenal – an expansive museum featuring exhibits on Graz’s military history, as well as temporary art installations.

Architecture and Urban Design

Graz is renowned for its blend of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, with notable examples including the 16th-century Palais Erzherzog Johann and the early 20th-century Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz. The city’s urban design is characterized by narrow streets, intricate facades, and colorful tile patterns.

Schloss Eggenberg

History and Architecture

Schloss Eggenberg was built in the 17th century as a summer residence for Prince Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg. The palace is a prime example of Austrian Baroque architecture, with stunning gardens and ornate interiors showcasing stucco work, frescoes, and valuable art collections.

Gardens and Parks

The sprawling Schloss Eggenberg grounds are home to numerous gardens, including the famous Orangerie, which houses a collection of exotic citrus trees. The palace’s extensive parklands offer visitors a serene retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Museum of Natural History Styria

Located within Schloss Eggenberg, this museum offers an immersive experience into Styria’s natural history, with exhibits on geology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology. The museum also houses a planetarium and a butterfly house.

Tips for Visitors

  • Purchase the Graz City Card for free admission to numerous museums, discounted public transportation, and other perks.
  • Explore the city on foot or by bike – Graz’s historic centre is compact, making it easy to navigate.
  • Taste local delicacies such as Styrian pumpkin seed oil, Schilcher wine, and Strudel at one of the many traditional eateries in the old town.

Getting Around

Graz’s historic centre is compact and easily explored on foot or by bike. Public transportation is also readily available, with trams, buses, and the Graz Schlossbergbahn funicular connecting various parts of the city.

When to Visit

Graz can be visited year-round, but the best time for sightseeing is from April through October when the weather is milder. Keep in mind that summer months may see an influx of tourists.

Where to Stay and Eat

Accommodations range from luxurious hotels in historic buildings to more budget-friendly options. Popular eateries include Café Central, Gasthaus Zauner, and Steirereck, all offering traditional Styrian cuisine.

Additional Resources