Graz Cathedral, Graz, Austria

Graz Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Giles. It is the seat of the bishop of the Steiermark diocese. The church was built in 1438-1462 by Friederick III in the Gothic architecture. It was refurbished in Baroque style in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

The exterior of the cathedral looks very sober today. In the Gothic period, however, the façades were covered with paintings. One fresco has been preserved - the so-called Gottesplagenbild ('God's Plagues'). It refers to a year of horrors Graz suffered in 1480.

The interior of the cathedral hormoniously combines Gothic architecture with Baroque furnishing. The frescos in the church date from the times of Emperor Frederick III. Among them: a fragment showing St. Christopher, clearly recognizable as Frederick wearing the Styrian ducal crown.

Among the most precious objects in the cathedral are the two reliquaries to the left and the right of the chancel entrance. Originally the chests belonged to Paola Gonzaga. In 1477 she married Leonhard of Gorizia and brought along her bridal chests from her native Mantua to Leonhard's castle Bruck near Lienz in East Tyrol.

Nearby is Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II.

References:

Wikipedia
Graz Tourism

User Reviews

Donna Joseph-Munroe (2 years ago)
Great church with magnificent ceilings!

Andrea Nori (2 years ago)
It is the most important place of worship so it is definitely worth seeing. It is free of charge

Tethys (2 years ago)
Imposing, ornate church in old town. Architecturally impressive, spiritually difficult. Sadly, reminds one of the great cost, which undoubtedly the poor paid for in one way or the other. Area historical interests are within walking distance.

Gini Smoja (2 years ago)
It's a cool place, architecture-wise.

Anna Amanda Stolere (3 years ago)
Powerfull and impressive cathedral with automatic doors. Calm contrast to the humming Graz city centre. Worth to visit. Cathedral is rising money for complete renovation.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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Graz Cathedral

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