Willkommen - Welcome – Bonjour - Benvenuto! No matter what language you speak, Graz will welcome you with an ‘international’ smile and a hearty, Styrian ‘Grüß Gott’!

Graz is the second-largest city in Austria after Vienna and the capital of the federal state of Styria. It has a population of 291,574 as of 2009.

  Since the Middle Ages, a friendly and prosperous town has
  been growing around the Schlossberg hill; a town cherished
  by its inhabitants. In fact, it was the unique ensemble of
  architectural styles spanning from Gothic, Baroque,
  Renaissance, Art Nouveau to modernity that made UNESCO
  add Graz to its World Cultural
  Heritage list. In the narrow lanes, on the bustling plazas and in
  the tranquil inner courtyards: the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere can be felt everywhere in this charming city. Graz is full of contrasts. This is particularly true of its cultural life. The „steirische herbst“, one of Europe‘s most prestigious festivals of contemporary art, has enriched the cultural scene as much as the classical culture: opera, theatre and the “styriarte“, the festival of classical music that has gained an international reputation.
Click here for the City Map 

CULTURAL CAPITAL OF EUROPE 2003
That year also saw the landing of a “friendly alien” in the city, the striking art centre designed by the British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier. Beside the Kunsthaus, other high-ranking projects include the Island in the Mur by Vito Acconci, the acoustic wonder venue Helmut-List-Halle, the Graz Stadthalle and the House of Literature, all of which contribute to Graz’s lasting attraction as a cultural city and event venue.



SIGHTS

Graz Schlossberg
The word "Schloßberg" literally means "castle mountain", which describes it exactly. It is a hill topped by a castle, in the centre of the city of Graz, Austria.

  Among Graz's most famous tourist attractions, the castle, never
  occupied until its partial demolition by Napoleonic forces under the
  Peace of Schönbrunn of 1809, was once a place of refuge for
  Graz's residents. It was turned into a public park on account of
  Ludwig von Welden in 1839. The Schloßberg contains an
  "Uhrturm" (clock tower), which functions as a recognisable icon for
  the city. Near the Uhrturm there is a café with views over the old
  town. Additionally, on the western side of the Schloßberg, there are
  two small cafés, one with table service and the other one with
  self-service. Next to the terminus of the funicular railway there is a
  hilltop restaurant with views of western Graz.


Friendly alien

Something extra-terrestrial in the World Heritage site of Graz? Like a huge bluish bubble the landmark of new Graz is hovering above the right bank of the river Mur. Since October 2003, Kunsthaus – affectionately called "a friendly alien" by its creators, Peter Cook and Colin Fournier – has attracted people with spectacular architecture and changing exhibitions of contemporary art. Moreover, Kunsthaus is a symbol of the harmonious co-existence of old and new in Graz. After all, it is growing out of the Eisernes Haus which in 1848 caused quite a stir as one of the first cast-iron buildings on the Continent.


Murinsel

  What was meant to be a temporary project of the
  Cultural Capital of Europe, Graz 2003, has
  turned into an attraction – the island in the river
  Mur. The New York artist Vito Acconci designed a
  steel grid structure in the shape of a half-opened shell.
The open part – an amphitheatre for performances but also a resting place for sun-seekers. The covered part – a very trendy café. The island also functions as a bridge between the two banks of the river Mur.


Landhaus

  A touch of Northern Italy in Herrengasse, right
  in the centre of Graz? In fact, the Landhaus is
  reminiscent of some Venice palazzo. In 1557,
  the Italian architect Domenico dell’Allio started
  to construct a prestigious building for the
  Styrian estates. It still is the provincial
  parliament of Styria. Not only the main façade
  of the building is outstanding. People are
  especially amazed by the Renaissance-style
  arcaded courtyard.


Click here for more sights




UNIVERSITY TOWN WITH AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION

The largest and oldest of Graz’s four universities is the Karl-Franzens-University, founded in 1585. The University of Technology (1811) dates back to the days of Archduke Johann.
At the University of Music and Dramatic Arts, students of orchestra conducting, chamber music, lied and concert singing, choir, opera, jazz and drama are taught. The ‘youngest’ of the four universities is the Medical University Graz, which only recently achieved independent status. A total of approx. 35,000 students attend courses at twelve faculties and with several new universities of applied science and academic and scientific research institutions, Graz can be considered an academic centre of international repute.

Graz has a long tradition as a student city: its six universities have more than 44,000 students. Graz's "Old Town" is one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe. In 1999, it was added to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage Sites.

                                




Capital of Culinary Delights

                            

Graz is the city of culinary delights, heaven on earth for food-lovers. The chefs take advantage of the freshest products of the area. With lots of creativity, sense for traditional cooking and international styles they prepare delicious meals, which the gourmets will savour.
Click here for Restaurant guide


If you want to make your night to day
Click here for Nightlife 

                                     


Coming to Graz is the beginning of a new friendship. There is an immediate sense of familiarity and the alleys and squares, impressive buildings, museums and galleries make you want to find out more about this city at the crossroads of cultures.