Historic Centre of Graz and Schloss Eggenberg

Historic Centre of Graz and Schloss Eggenberg

As a cultural heritage site representing an urban area of Central Europe, the city of Graz remains vibrant and stands as a model of cultural preservation. The Historic Centre of Graz was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999, with this extension adding Schloss Eggenberg, located about three kilometers west of the historic centre. Built in 1625, Schloss Eggenberg was constructed on the site of an earlier castle owned by Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg (1568–1634), one of the most influential political figures in 17th-century Austria. The architecture of the castle is exceptionally well preserved, and its style and interior decor reflect the influence of the late Italian Renaissance and the Baroque period.

The buildings of the old town are characterized by numerous 17th- and 18th-century gabled houses, some of which still display exquisite stucco decorations. The Archduke Johann Fountain is a popular gathering spot; the bronze fountain's four female figures personify the four major rivers — the Enns, Mur, Drau, and Saggau. The Town Hall is a classic example of Historicism, while the Franciscan Church showcases a late Gothic style. Built between 1557 and 1565, the Landhaus is the most exquisitely preserved Renaissance building in the southern German-speaking region. The arcaded courtyard with its bronze well, and the Knight’s Hall with its stucco ceiling depicting the four elements and the zodiac signs, are particularly charming.

South of the Landhaus stands a massive four-story arsenal built in 1645, housing many unusual weapons. Experts consider this historic armory to be the finest in the world. It displays a full set of 15th-century armor, antique firearms, warhorses, twin swords, chainmail, shields, arquebuses, and rifles.

City of Graz - Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg

Why go: The world’s finest armory

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Austria[Austria]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Styria [Styria]

City where the attraction is located: Graz [Graz]