A few words about Graz

Not too far from Vienna, on the Mur River, the traveler will reach the City of Graz, the capital and largest city of Styria, or Steiermark in German. The city derives its name from the times when the Slovenians built a small castle in the area - a "gradec". The German name is "Graz" and was first used in 1128. Later Graz came under Habsburgs' rule and became royal city of residence, which turned it into a significant commercial center. The vision of the city was transformed in the 16th century by Domenico dell'Allio in Renaissance style, the Landhaus being a prominent example of this period.

The spirit of bygone times is still alive in Graz's "Old Town", which was added on UNESCO's list of world cultural heritage sites in 1999. Graz was also awarded the title of "Cultural Capital of Europe" for 2003. The city, especially its historical center, has earned its fame because of the seamless synthesis of architectural styles that have succeeded one another in time. Legends have it that it was the Devil himself who created Schlossberg, the hill which is right in the middle of the Graz. Whatever the truth is, there is no doubt that Schlossberg was where Graz began as a small castle that grew into a big fortress. The fortress was destroyed by Napoleon, but two of the best known landmarks in the city were rescued by its citizens - the Clock Tower and the Bell Tower. The clock has been ticking away time since 1712, although now the mechanism works electronically. In the Bell Tower you find the largest and heaviest bell in Graz, called the "Liesl". When you visit the Schlossberg, choose what suits you best - the Schlossbergtreppe, consisting of 260 steps, or the Schlossbergerbahn, a glass lift that will give you a breathtaking panoramic view.

If you take interest in the past, a tour to the Town Hall, the Landhaus, Glockenspielplatz, Sackstrasse, Herrengasse with its famous Painted House, and many other noteworthy sights, is a must. However, you shouldn't miss the futuristic architecture of Graz. Many of the most attractive places in the city are the fruit if urban genius and imagination. The Mur Island, an artificial shell-shaped island in the Mur River, was designed by New York artist Vito Acconci for Graz 2003 - Cultural Capital of Europe, but the people of Graz loved it and now its amphitheater and hip café attract hundreds of visitors. Another two high-tech buildings that catch the eye are the Kunsthaus, designed by two London architects, nickname "the Spacelab", and Graz's Botanical Garden, which houses plants from four climate zones - there you could also enjoy readings, listen to music or have a cup of coffee.

At the end of a day packed with experiences, of course, what you need most will be a nice meal and a relaxing ambiance. Graz does offer you a wide selection of cafés, restaurants and Buschenschaenken, or traditional wine taverns. For the fans of trendy cafés, Buddha Bar or the Mur Island café are to be recommended. Operncafé and Café Sacher Graz will cater for more conservative tastes. To feel like a real Grazer, visit the Goldene Pastete Restaurant, where you will relish local specialties and wines in a rustic and lush atmosphere. Lovers of theatrical luxury should go to stylish Restaurant Johan and get a medieval and postmodern feel at the same time.