The city, whose old center was included in the list of world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1999, is rightly proud of the nickname "green heart of Austria" due to its extensive green areas.
On Castle Hill, from which there is a wonderful view of the red roofs of the old one Graz and many parks, the symbol of the city stands proudly − tower clock, built already in the 13th century. After the French occupation, the tower was saved from destruction by the inhabitants of the city, who bought it and preserved it for later generations. So that the time shown by the two hands does not confuse us, we must know that the two hands are switched, which means that the long hand shows the hour and the small hand shows the minutes. In the springtime, a walk through the garden will be especially nice Herbersteingarten, under the clock tower, on which Mediterranean plants thrive. The heart of the old town is the main square. Just behind the town hall, which dominates the main square, is the most beautiful building in the city - the State Mansion. The special arcaded inner courtyard is considered a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. Just a few steps down the road next to the country mansion Herrengasse separates us from the State Armory. It was built in the 17th century and almost the entire collection of weapons has been preserved in it to this day, which means that with more than 30,000 exhibits it is the largest collection of weapons in the world. While walking down the street Sporgasse let us not only be tempted by the shop windows, but look towards the Renaissance portals, Gothic windows and Baroque facades, which prove that the old town of Graz was rightfully classified as a world cultural heritage. Another surprise awaits us at the end of the street Hofgasse. On the market Freiheitsplatz the theater and the castle are located. Through the first courtyard we reach the double spiral staircase, a masterpiece of late Gothic stonework. Nearby, the cathedral, which was built in the 15th century, reminds us of the times of the Habsburg presence. The southern facade of the church is particularly interesting because of the fresco depicting the three plagues that struck Styria in the terrible year 1480. Next to the cathedral stands the mausoleum, which completes the harmony of the cathedral, the castle and the seminary, buildings that together are called the "city crown". Graz is not just a walk through past eras, but in 2003, when it was named the European capital of culture, in addition to 2.5 million tourists, it also attracted many architects who, in particular, brought back a touch of excitement to the western part of the Mura and the river itself. The most unusual building in the city is the House of Art in Grač, which the residents called the "friendly alien" because of its unusual rounded shape, and which seems to start flashing at any time. In the immediate vicinity, above the level of the Mura river, let's indulge in the warm sun and some drinks on the island on the Mura, also built in 2003. In addition to the cafe, there is also a large amphitheater inside.
For under the teeth
The cuisine of Austrian Styria is famous above all for pumpkin oil, potatoes in a hundred and one ways, dumplings, meat specialties and "smorno". "Nothing new," we think when we hear the above, but the chefs in the best restaurants in Graz always offer something new and fresh. Those who are hungry for Styrian delicacies like to stop in Landhauskeller, which is known above all for its excellent beef and varied wine list, which offers as many as three hundred different wines. Those who cannot do without goulash swear by Gulascheck. One of the most famous restaurants in Graz is a minimalist paradise for gourmets Iohan. Anyone who cannot imagine life without Italian pasta and wine should stop by Trattoria Gerry, which has been a real Graz institution for more than thirty years.
For spendthrifts
Grača's old town offers so many interesting shopping experiences that the crowds in the surrounding shopping centers become pointless. The tradition is still a very respected lady, especially on the street Sackstrasse, which was given the nickname "artistic mile". Shops, antique shops, galleries and museums (for example, the City Museum in the building where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was born, whose death in Sarajevo in 1914 was the reason for the start of the First World War) express from afar the important idea that life is an art and it must be lived and experienced with quality. For art lovers, the inner courtyards (especially houses number 9, 11 and 14) are a gem of art on display on the art mile. The street is especially charming and inviting Hofgasse. Hofbäckerei (court bakery), Hofkeller (court cellar) and Hoffrisör (court hairdresser) are just a few of the names that indicate the direction of the street towards the castle - witnesses of the Habsburg presence in the city. Stop in court bakery Edegger Tax is literally one of the sweetest experiences, because "Sissi's kisses" are as famous as the beauty of the empress who gave them their name. A little outside of Graz, fans of Swedish design and interior design can indulge in IKEA.
What's happening
Pre-holiday time is dance time. The biggest manor dance – Opera ball has just passed, and lovers of Italian music, Rococo costumes and masks are already preparing for Il Ballo di Casanova, Casanova's dance, which on February 10 will attract seducers, lovers, sleazeballs and sleazeballs to the Graz Congress Center. After the carnival, it's time for serious culture. The Graz Film Festival will take place between March 19 and 25 Diagonals. A rich cultural program is also offered by the Graz Opera House, where, in addition to the winter fairytale Hrestač, you can watch Verdi's Rigoletto from January 13. The Styrian Wine Festival in May (May 24-27) will attract crowds of lovers of fine wine and culinary delights to the old part of the city. Nightlife The vibrant nightlife of the Styrian capital is indicated by the very name of one of the popular youth hangouts - the Bermuda Triangle. Due to the abundance of bars and attractive people, friends and acquaintances with whom we intend to spend the evening can simply disappear by the next morning. The most 'dangerous' part of the Bermuda Triangle are the restaurants, cafes and bars around Mehlplatz and Fäberplatz. Especially on warm summer days, the Franciscan quarter is also very lively. With a glass of wine, you can easily exchange the relaxed atmosphere of the Franciscan Square and the Franziskanergasse alley for the ambiance of one of the southern Italian cities.
