Mausoleum of Ferdinand II

Mausoleum of Ferdinand II

Ticket:

€4 for adults, €3 for children.

Opening hours:

10:00–12:00 & 13:00–16:00 from May to October; 10:30–12:00 & 13:30–15:00 from November to April.

In Graz, several classic buildings are collectively referred to as the “Crown of Graz,” including the Cathedral, the Burg (center castle on Freedom Square), the University of Graz, the Seminary, and others. However, the most exquisite, influential, and representative of Graz’s long history and ancient city character is the renowned Mausoleum of Ferdinand II.

In 1614, Ferdinand II commissioned his Italian court painter and architect to design his mausoleum and St. Catherine’s Church. The mausoleum is also considered one of the most important architectural works in Austria in the 17th century. The oval dome of the mausoleum chapel and many details of St. Catherine’s Church showcase the characteristics of Renaissance Baroque architecture at the time.

The mausoleum was not fully completed by the time Ferdinand II passed away in 1637. His grandson, Leopold I, still had him buried here and assigned a young artist to continue designing and renovating the interior facilities of the mausoleum. The dome of the mausoleum houses a red marble sarcophagus that was intended to be used for burying Ferdinand II’s mother—the Bavarian Queen.

Tip: The reliefs and frescoes inside the mausoleum are quite distinctive, depicting many stories and figures, most of which celebrate the glory and history of the House of Habsburg. The reliefs on the dome of St. Catherine’s Church depict the flight of Leopold I during the 1683 Battle of Vienna when the Ottoman Empire attacked the city, and the return of the emperor to the throne and subsequent prosperity of Vienna after the Austrian victory. There are also stories about Leopold I being a well-known philanderer while his queen and children were Catholics.

Graz, Austria