Graz, a city located in southeastern Austria, is one of the country’s leading cities and serves as the capital of Styria. Stretching along the Mur River, the city is also a hub of culture and education, home to many students and researchers. The heart of Graz is filled with numerous historic buildings and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 as the Historic Centre of Graz.
Although Graz is known for its many museums and art galleries, the most famous among them is Eggenberg Palace, located in the suburbs. This castle is open to the public as a museum and has also been added to the World Heritage listing. The city, lined with various cultural institutions and historical buildings, offers many attractions and is a popular tourist destination. Here, we’ll introduce the charming city of Graz, highlighting some of its most recommended spots.
What is “The Historic Centre of Graz and Eggenberg Palace”?
The historic district remaining in the city centre of Graz was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 due to its well-preserved townscape where buildings from various architectural periods coexist in harmony. Later, in 2010, Eggenberg Palace, located in the suburbs of Graz, was added to the World Heritage listing, forming the current designation.
Graz, renowned as a city of history, traces its origins back to around the 10th century. At that time, Slavic peoples migrated to the area and built a fortress on a hill. The name Graz is derived from the Slavic word “Gradec,” meaning “small castle.” Having withstood various historical changes, Graz is known as “the most complete historic city centre in Central Europe.”
The historic centre, lined with beautiful buildings such as palaces, churches, and universities, is a delight to explore on foot. Although a bit away from the city centre, Eggenberg Palace is also a must-see!
Name: City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg
Address: Graz, Austria
Official/Related Website URL: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/931/
Access to “The Historic Centre of Graz and Eggenberg Palace”
You can transit through cities like Vienna, Zurich in Switzerland, or somewhere in Germany.
If you travel from Vienna to Graz by train, the journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. It's a great option for those who wish to enjoy the scenery during a relaxed journey.
Recommended Spot #1 of “The Historic Centre of Graz and Eggenberg Palace”: Eggenberg Palace
Eggenberg Palace, a World Heritage Site located in the suburbs slightly away from the historic centre of Graz, was constructed over approximately ten years starting in 1625 by the head of the Eggenberg family, who served as the Minister of the Interior at the time. While the building was originally designed in the Mannerist style, it was later renovated in the Rococo style by subsequent lords of the palace, including the garden.
The charm of Eggenberg Palace lies not only in its World Heritage designation but also in its mystical design. The entire structure was planned based on cosmic numerology. It features four towers representing the four classical elements, and 365 windows—matching the number of days in a year.
Additionally, the palace contains 24 grand rooms, symbolizing the hours in a day, reflecting a unique and symbolic architectural concept. Inside the building, you’ll also find rooms styled after Chinese and Japanese aesthetics—these are not to be missed.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=47.07269,15.394789&z=16&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=978952069236920936
Recommended Spot #2 of “The Historic Centre of Graz and Eggenberg Palace”: Hauptplatz
Hauptplatz is a beautiful square located at the heart of the historic district of Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its center stands a statue commemorating Archduke Johann. For the people of Graz, Hauptplatz serves as a place of relaxation, and it’s also a popular base for tourists exploring the city. Surrounded by the stunning City Hall and rows of colorful buildings, the square offers a delightful atmosphere that makes just walking around a pleasant experience.
On sunny days, the terrace seating at the cafes and restaurants lining the square becomes especially popular. Why not enjoy a meal while taking in the picturesque scenery of this World Heritage townscape? Streets extending from Hauptplatz—like Herrengasse and Sackstraße—are lined with historic buildings, making them perfect for a walking tour.
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Recommended Spot #3 of “The Historic Centre of Graz and Eggenberg Palace”: Graz Cathedral
Graz Cathedral is one of the most prominent churches in the historic district of Graz. It was built between 1438 and 1464 as a court chapel.
The exterior is quite simple, giving the impression of a small town church. Originally constructed in the Gothic style, the church’s interior was remodeled in the Baroque style during the Reformation period.
Though the cathedral has a modest presence in the Graz cityscape, stepping inside reveals a surprising contrast. The chapel, adorned with elegant decorations throughout, is breathtakingly beautiful and fitting of its World Heritage status. The wall paintings that remain inside were created in 1485 and are said to be the oldest surviving artworks in Graz. Though small in scale, it is a place well worth taking your time to visit.
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Recommended Spot #4 of “The Historic Centre of Graz and Eggenberg Palace”: Church of Our Lady of Succour
The original Church of Our Lady of Succour (Mariahilferkirche) began construction in 1607 and was completed in 1611.
Its current elegant form was established in 1744, when two Baroque-style towers were added. It is regarded as “one of the most beautiful pieces of religious architecture in Graz.”
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Summary of the World Heritage Site “The Historic Centre of Graz and Eggenberg Palace”
Graz, a World Heritage city that preserves a wide variety of architectural styles, continues to enchant visitors with its stunning townscape. The remarkably well-preserved buildings within this World Heritage Site never fail to meet expectations. Why not take a leisurely journey through Graz and experience the rich history of Central Europe for yourself?