The Graz Clock Tower (Uhrturm) features hour and minute hands that were historically reversed, with the long hand indicating hours and the short hand indicating minutes.
The Styrian Armoury contains over 32,000 pieces of historical weaponry and armor, enough to equip an entire mercenary army from the 17th century.
The Landhaus courtyard is one of the most significant examples of Italian Renaissance architecture north of the Alps.
Graz is the hometown of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum, located in the nearby village of Thal.
The city center is built around a hill that has been fortified since the 10th century.
The Murinsel, a modern steel island structure, was added to the river as part of the 2003 European Capital of Culture project.
The Altstadt von Graz, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features a dense concentration of Renaissance and Baroque architecture within its medieval street grid. The city center is dominated by the Schlossberg hill, which houses the iconic Clock Tower. Graz acts as a junction between Mediterranean and Central European cultural influences. The district retains original medieval layouts, including narrow alleyways and expansive public squares like the Hauptplatz. Local urban planning emphasizes the preservation of historical roofscapes and facade detailing. The area is home to the Styrian Armoury, the world's largest historic armory. It functions as a living district with a high density of traditional coffee houses, boutiques, and historic courtyards. Most of the old town is pedestrian-friendly, facilitating exploration on foot.
The elevated view of the red-roofed Old Town from the Schlossberg hill near the Clock Tower.
Enter the hidden courtyards of the historic buildings to find quiet cafes and Renaissance arcades.
Follow the stairs up the Schlossberg to access the clock tower and panoramic views of the city's red-tiled rooftops.
Explore the side streets away from the main square to find traditional Styrian craft shops.
Do not overlook the smaller, unmarked alleyways, as they contain the city's best-preserved architecture and quietest historical gems.
Comfortable walking shoes are mandatory due to the extensive cobbled surfaces; standard European casual dress is suitable.
