Tie2.lt

Located in the south of Austria, Graz is a city that subtly combines classical heritage, a vibrant cultural pulse, and modern ideas. The country’s second-largest city is known not only for its distinctive architecture but also for its green spaces and youthful atmosphere, where history and visions of the future coexist harmoniously.

From the Middle Ages to Modern Times

Graz was first mentioned in written sources in 1128, but its origins date back to the early Middle Ages.

In the 14th–15th centuries, Graz became the capital of the Habsburg Duchy of Styria and one of the region’s most important political centers. During the Renaissance, Italian masters worked in the city, leaving behind countless architectural gems — for example, the impressive Landhaus palace, which today houses the Styrian provincial government.

During World War II, Graz was bombed, but many of the Old Town’s buildings miraculously survived. After the war, the city recovered and became a dynamic center in southern Austria.

Today, as you walk through Graz, history can be felt at every turn — from Gothic churches to Renaissance courtyards and Baroque facades. It’s no coincidence that in 1999, the city’s Old Town was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and in 2003, Graz was named the European Capital of Culture.

Graz is often called Austria’s “Secret Capital” because for centuries it was an important center for the Habsburg dynasty. This legacy is reflected in the UNESCO-listed Old Town — here you can get lost in narrow cobbled streets, admiring buildings in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. One of the city’s most famous symbols is Schlossberg Hill, crowned by the iconic Clock Tower (Uhrturm), which has become the city’s landmark.

A Green Oasis in the Heart of the City

While Graz prides itself on its historic center, it is also known as one of Austria’s greenest cities. Parks, gardens, and riverside promenades invite locals and visitors alike to relax surrounded by nature. The Mur River, which divides the city in two, frames the striking Murinsel — a futuristic floating island with a café and amphitheater. This modern structure is a perfect example of how Graz manages to blend tradition with contemporary design.

A City of Innovation and Youthful Spirit

Graz is also renowned as a student city — it is home to no fewer than four universities, including the University of Technology and the Karl-Franzens University. This gives the city a youthful energy, with numerous creative spaces, galleries, startup offices, and events that attract innovative people from all over the world.

Graz is deservedly called a city of innovation — it has a strong high-tech, engineering, and sustainable energy industry. The University of Technology draws students from around the globe, while a vibrant startup ecosystem encourages young creators to experiment. As a result, the city is full of coworking spaces, creative incubators, and idea labs.

Culture — From Opera to Contemporary Art

For culture lovers, Graz offers an abundance of options: from the impressive stage of the Opera House to the futuristic Kunsthaus Graz museum, also known as the “Friendly Alien” due to its unusual organic shape. The city hosts international festivals, such as Steirischer Herbst, famous for its avant-garde artistic experiments.

Another example is the Murinsel — a futuristic floating island on the Mur River, created by the renowned American artist Vito Acconci. This glass-and-metal bridge-island connects the city’s banks and serves as a creative space, café, and venue for events.