Travel Destination: Graz, Austria - Europe
Graz in Southeast Austria is a delightful and sometimes surprising city in which to take a European break. Home to around 230,000 people it is actually Austria’s second largest city, and was once even considered as a rival to the capital Vienna.
Architecturally, Graz is the king of Europe. The buildings and structures around the city mesmerise even those who proclaim to have little interest in such things. Given the quirky nature of some of the sights you’ll see - like a tree clad mountain rising up from the centre of the historic city quarters - that’s perhaps not surprising!
‘Must See’ Attractions in Graz
Schlossberg and the Clock Tower
A World Heritage Site since 1999, Schlossberg represents more than 1,000 years of Austrian history. The red roof tiles and painted facades of centuries-old property crowd around a tree lined hillock on which a medieval clock tower sporting a magnificent wooden balcony now stands. The clockworks in the tower date back from 1712, although the mechanism is now driven electronically so it keeps perfect time.
The Landeszeughaus / Provincial Armoury
One of the largest collections of armoury in the world today, the Landeszeughaus boasts 32,000 pieces of military equipment on five floors. Weapons and uniforms dating back to the 15th century can be seen along with 3,300 different types of helmets and more than 2,400 swords.
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Gemaltes Haus / Herzogshof
Not far from the armoury in the district of Herrengasse is the Gemaltes Haus or Painted House. Also known as the Herzogshof it was decorated with frescoes by the 18th century artist Johann Mayer. The paintings depict scenes of the Greco-Roman Gods including Bacchus (god of wine), Vulcan (god of craftsmen) and Vesta (goddess of home).
Mur Island
In the shape of a half-opened shell, Mur Island is a modern-day piece of architecture that ushers in a new architectural era in Graz. Originally a temporary project designed to impress during Graz’s time as the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003, Mur Island is now a major tourist attraction. The steel and glass structure sits in the middle of the Mur, connected to land either side by a bridge. The open part of the island is designed to be an amphitheatre; the closed part is a café.
Kunsthaus Graz / The Friendly Alien
Staying with the modern theme a gigantic blue glass bubble can be seen on the right bank of the River Mur. Known as the friendly alien it has brought much attention to a once neglected part of Graz. Its location on the right bank is quite fitting too. It resides right next to one of the most controversial buildings of the 19th century - the Eisernes Haus. This was one of the first ever cast-iron buildings in Europe and caused much commotion when it was built!
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Getting around in Graz could not be easier. Why not book a hire car in advance at http://www.your-carhire.com for pick up from the airport.