Historic Centre of Graz

Graz, Austria

Graz old town is one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe. The oldest settlement on the ground of the modern city of Graz dates back to the Chalcolithic Age. However, no historical continuity exists of a settlement before the Middle Ages. During the 12th century, dukes under Babenberg rule made the town into an important commercial center. Later, Graz came under the rule of the Habsburgs, and in 1281, gained special privileges from King Rudolph I.

In the 14th century, Graz became the city of residence of the Inner Austrian line of the Habsburgs. The royalty lived in the Schloßberg castle and from there ruled Styria, Carinthia, most of today's Slovenia, and parts of Italy.

In the 16th century, the city's design and planning were primarily controlled by Italian Renaissance architects and artists. One of the most famous buildings built in this style is the Landhaus, designed by Domenico dell'Allio, and used by the local rulers as a governmental headquarters.

Graz bear witness to an exemplary model of the living heritage of a central European urban complex influenced by the secular presence of the Habsburgs and the cultural and artistic role played by the main aristocratic families. They are a harmonious blend of the architectural styles and artistic movements that have succeeded each other from the Middle Ages until the 18th century, in the many neighbouring regions of Central and Mediterranean Europe. They embody a diversified and highly comprehensive ensemble of architectural, decorative and landscape examples of these interchanges of influence.

In 1999, Graz was added to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage Sites, and the site was extended in 2010 by Schloss Eggenberg.

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Address

Hauptplatz 5, Graz, Austria
See all sites in Graz

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Historic city squares, old towns and villages in Austria

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Elena K (2 months ago)
Beautiful small town! GREAT AMBIENCE AROUND EVERY CORNER and a lot of restaurants with excellent cuisine..
Attila Fenyő (4 months ago)
The whole city has a lively atmosphere. It's clean, everything is taken care of, it's amazing for me to encounter this kind of city management. There are no big distances between sights, it's easy to access everything on foot. I found that many people eat out in the evenings, so making reservations can be key to successfully find a place to sit. Totally worth to spend 2-3 days at least.
sarhan mahamid (5 months ago)
A quiet city, not boring, there are cafes, good restaurants, the center or the square of the city is also beautiful, it is worth visiting this city
Vladimir Valkov (5 months ago)
Lovely town with live vibrant atmosphere...
Rei S (11 months ago)
Beautiful architecture, quaint shops and plenty of great restaurants for different cuisines. Definitely worth a stroll or two.
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Kristiansten Fortress

Kristiansten Fortress was built to protect the city against attack from the east. Construction was finished in 1685. General Johan Caspar von Cicignon, who was chief inspector of kuks fortifications, was responsible for the new town plan of Trondheim after the great fire of 18 April 1681. He also made the plans for the construction of Kristiansten Fortress.

The fortress was built during the period from 1682 to 1684 and strengthened to a complete defence fortification in 1691 by building an advanced post Kristiandsands bastion in the east and in 1695 with the now vanished Møllenberg skanse by the river Nidelven. These fortifications were encircled by a continuous palisade and thereby connected to the fortified city. In 1750 the fortress was modernized with new bastions and casemates to protect against mortar artillery.