Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, owes its name to the Slavic word “gradec,” which translates to “small town.” In the 15th century, it was the residence of the powerful Habsburg dynasty, making it an administration and military center. Iconic landmarks, such as the Schlossberg with its Clock Tower and the Styrian Arsenal, are reminders of that time.Graz always had a cultural and economic flair to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, more specifically with the foundation of Austria’s oldest university. It was founded in 1585. It has been under Ottoman invasion, but the reinforcements made to its defenses always made the city thrive.Emperor Ferdinand II transferred the imperial court to Vienna in 1619, which made Graz lose its political status. Nevertheless, the Italian craftsmen and artists who stayed in the city added to its architecture, leading to the building of beautiful palaces.During the early 19th century, Graz defended itself against the French forces of Napoleon, while in 1809, under the Treaty of Vienna, it lost the fortification of Schlossberg to be transformed into a park still a green oasis today.Industrial areas in modern-day Graz suffered tremendous bombardments from World War II, while its historic center has remained remarkably unscathed. Designated European Capital of Culture in 2003, it has adopted all the best attributes of modern life and transformed itself into a cosmopolitan city with 300,000 people-including 70,000 students-with all that rich history with the vitality of youth.

Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Graz

Schlossberg and the Clock Tower

Schlossberg is situated atop a hill. It has fantastic views of the city, but it’s home to one of Graz’s symbols-the Clock Tower that symbolizes the history of the city.

Historic Old Town (Altstadt)

This Old Town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant squares full of cafes and shops.

Eggenberg Palace

This Baroque masterpiece, surrounded by beautiful gardens, is full of opulent halls, frescoes, and Graz’s rich aristocratic heritage.

Styrian Armoury (Landeszeughaus)

This is the world’s largest historical armory, housing over 32,000 weapons, suits of armor, and tools from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Murinsel (Island in the Mur)

This is a modern architectural wonder, a floating steel island on the Mur River, featuring a café and amphitheater, blending contemporary design with nature.