Schloßberg

Graz, Austria

The Schloßberg is the site of ancient fortress in the centre of the city of Graz, Austria. The hill is now a public park and enjoys extensive views of the city. The fortification of the Schloßberg goes back to at least the 10th century. In the mid-16th century, a 400 m long fortress was constructed by architects from the north of Italy. There are records of a cable-hauled lift being in use between 1528 and 1595 to move construction materials for the fortifications. The castle was never conquered, but it was largely demolished by Napoleonic forces under the Treaty of Schönbrunn of 1809. The clock tower (the Uhrturm) and bell tower (the Glockenturm) were spared after the people of Graz paid a ransom for their preservation.

The remains of the castle were turned into a public park by Ludwig von Welden in 1839. The park contains the Uhrturm, the Glockenturm, a cistern and two bastions from the old castle. The Uhrturm is a recognisable icon for the city, and is unusual in that the clock's hands have opposite roles to the common notion, with the larger one marking hours while the smaller is for minutes. The Glockenturm contains Liesl, the heaviest bell in Graz.

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. In what was once the cellar of one of the ruined bastions is the Kasemattenbühne, an open-air stage for concerts and performances.

Below the Schloßberg hill is an extensive system of tunnels, which were created during the second world war to protect the civilian population of Graz from aerial bombing. Some of these tunnels are still accessible, including a passage from Schloßbergplatz to Karmeliterplatz, and a grotto railway for children. Also in the tunnel complex is the Dom im Berg, which was expanded in 2000 to provide a venue space for up to 600 people.

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Schloßberg, Graz, Austria
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Details

Founded: 10th century
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Austria

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

C Rod (2 months ago)
This is a huge park, with lots of hills and turns to walk. Once you're at the top, the view of Graz is amazing! If you like, you can hike up or take the skylift! Be sure to grab the first car, in order to take some great pictures on the way up! Check out a few I took, it was a good day to come and see!
E A (4 months ago)
The 260 stairs to the top were totally worth it! The scenery that opened, the breeze on a hot July month, the live concert at the top and the bloody full moon were an experience in itself. We all very much appreciated the drinking water fountains that were placed both at the bottom and top of the hill.
Srulik Einhorn (5 months ago)
Beautiful Views, but the Litter is Disappointing Schlossberg Mountain in Graz, Austria, offers stunning views and a beautiful natural setting. Unfortunately, the experience is marred by the significant amount of litter scattered throughout the area. The historic ruins and lush greenery are overshadowed by garbage, including bottles and cans, which are left in various spots. It’s a shame that such a picturesque location isn’t better maintained. A cleaner environment would make this a perfect spot to visit.
Luka Sarajlic (5 months ago)
It is worth walking up to the top of it. You can see entire city and pretty much all the landmarks. There is underground car parking close to it ( bring the parking ticket with you) It is clean and well maintained. There is free toilet although not perfect clean but yeah good enough.
Ljubica Banic (8 months ago)
Nice place to walk and enjoy a dry day out. The view from the top to the city are stunning. You can take the stairs, the lift, the cable car. Along that place there are restaurants and coffee bars to enjoy some food and drinks. Also there is a picnic area….You have to pay for the lift , train or cable car..
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