Clock Tower

Clock Tower

Attraction Introduction

The Clock Tower standing on Schlossberg Hill is the iconic landmark of Graz. From anywhere in the city, you can look up at this beautiful clock tower and clearly see the time marked on its face. For centuries, the Clock Tower has stood as a silent guardian, witnessing and recording the rise and fall of Graz. The Clock Tower chimes three times a day (at 7:00, 12:00, and 19:00), each time striking 101 times, reminding people that it was cast from 101 cannonballs.

The clock tower was first built in the 13th century as a watchtower. It was reconstructed in 1588 to its current form, when its role was to serve as an early warning system and timekeeper. At that time, it had three large bells serving different functions: a time bell, a fire alarm bell, and an execution bell. In 1712, the time bell was replaced by a newer and larger wall clock, and the funeral bell was soon removed as well, leaving only the fire alarm bell in its original place.

Locals call the Clock Tower "Liesl." It is said that in 1809, when Napoleon captured the city, the residents pooled all their savings and begged the French army not to destroy the tower with cannon fire. Today, visitors gazing at the Clock Tower can still feel the affection and pride the people of Graz have for it. However, the clock hands may sometimes be confusing: take a closer look—the clock uses a long hand to indicate the hour and a short hand for the minutes, designed that way so people in the distance could easily tell the time. Inside the tower is the Schlossberg Museum, where you can see a 200-year-old defense model of the hill and the former prison. Because of its unique shape, the tower is also nicknamed the "Bassgeige" (double bass). Next to the Clock Tower is a staircase leading to the Herberstein Garden, which has cultivated various Mediterranean plants—such as fig trees, lemon trees, ginkgo trees, and wisteria—since 1930.

On a small path beside the tower stands a stone dog sculpture that guards the Clock Tower. Legend has it that in 1481, after the King of Hungary was rejected by an Austrian princess, he abducted her. As they passed this spot, the princess was saved by a clever dog. In memory of the dog, she had this statue erected.

Austria, Graz