Graz

Graz is Austria's second largest city. Since the 15th century Graz had been continuously under arms for the defense of central Europe against the Turks. For that reason it was rendered far more secure that Wien (Vienna), which led to the flowering of the arts in the 17th century. The Baroque style appeared in Graz long before it spread to the rest of Austria. During the last years of the Imperial Empire, Graz was a popular retirement place for ageing officers and civil servants, because of the region's mild climate. Nowadays it is a culturally rich city and home to some 30,000 students from its university.

The city center is easily explored on foot and most sights are withing walking distance from the Hauptplatz, the market square in the center of town. On the square stands a statue of the Habsburg Archduke Johann. South of the square is the Landhaus, a 16th-century town hall. It is on Herrengasse, as well as the adjacent Zeughaus, an armory, where many weapons that were used to keep the Turks out are on display. West of Herrengasse is the Landesmuseum Johanneum. Other parts of the museum are housed in different locations. The museum boast interesting pieces, such as paintings by Michael Pacher and Bruegel.

The Mausoleum of Ferdinand II is a fine example of early Baroque style. Its construction began in 1614, when Ferdinant was only 36 years old. The Domkirche, next door, is immediately south of the Burg, an erstwhile imperial residence, which now houses offices of the local government. From the Burg, the street of Hofgasse descends to Sporgasse; a bustling shopping street. At no. 25 is the Saurau palace, which features a Turkish figure throwing himself from a small window.

The Neue Galerie is housed in the 17th century Herberstein Palace. It exhibits 19th and 20th century art. From Schlossbergplatz a balustrade stone staircase runs up to the Schlossberg hill, from which you'll have nice views over Graz. The Schlossbergbahn funicular will get you up there, but it is also possible to walk. Originally a Schloss (castle) topped the hill, but Napoleon destroyed it in 1809. Only two features survived; the Uhrturm (Clock tower) and the Glockenturm (Bell tower), both built in the 16th century. Graz's Stadtpark (City park) is south of the Schlossberg. It provides a green belt separating the old city from the residential suburbs.

Schloss Eggenburg is 4 km west of the town center. It was built in 1625 for Hans Ulrich of Eggenburg, Ferdinand II's First Minister. Tickets include a guided tour of the staterooms as well as the Schloss' museums. The prehistory exhibition features the Strettweg chariot, a wheeled platform fro mthe 8th century.

There are numerous hotels and restaurants in Graz. The city is 145 km southwest of Wien (Vienna).