Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church), Graz
The Franciscan Church of Graz has been Franciscan since 1239. The church has a high tower over the chancel. The chancel tower is square in the lower part with four narrow, arched windows. The upper part of the tower is hexagonal, with two windows and two clocks. The whole is topped with an onion dome and spire.
The 14th century chancel sharply contrasts with the low, broader nave. The chancel tower was badly damaged by a bomb in World War II. It was restored with a modern interior. The church is awash with light from stained glass windows and the chancel harbors a gray crucifix of cast iron that seems to float in the air.
The high tower is rare among Franciscan churches and monasteries. The church was built close to the walls of the city. It was considered strategically located and the fortified tower was ordered by civil authorities in the 17th century.
Adjunct to the church Mariae Himmelfahrt is the Franciscan monastery and cloisters. The cloisters offer serenity in the bustle of the city. The monks meet on the first floor oratory for canonical hours. Vespers are open to everyone.
Epitaphs lining the walls of the cloister mention the names, occupations and vital data of the burghers and nobility who are buried there.
The 14th century chancel sharply contrasts with the low, broader nave. The chancel tower was badly damaged by a bomb in World War II. It was restored with a modern interior. The church is awash with light from stained glass windows and the chancel harbors a gray crucifix of cast iron that seems to float in the air.
The high tower is rare among Franciscan churches and monasteries. The church was built close to the walls of the city. It was considered strategically located and the fortified tower was ordered by civil authorities in the 17th century.
Adjunct to the church Mariae Himmelfahrt is the Franciscan monastery and cloisters. The cloisters offer serenity in the bustle of the city. The monks meet on the first floor oratory for canonical hours. Vespers are open to everyone.
Epitaphs lining the walls of the cloister mention the names, occupations and vital data of the burghers and nobility who are buried there.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Graz. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church) on Map
Sight Name: Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church)
Sight Location: Graz, Austria (See walking tours in Graz)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Graz, Austria (See walking tours in Graz)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Graz, Austria
Create Your Own Walk in Graz
Creating your own self-guided walk in Graz is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Graz's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
One of the most impressive things about Graz is its architecture. Indeed, the atmospheric Medieval center of the city, the largest in Europe, abounds in architectural marvels – opulent historic buildings evoking the grandeur and glory of Austria’s Imperial past.
Influenced by the centuries-long presence of the Habsburgs and the cultural and artistic role played by the country's... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Influenced by the centuries-long presence of the Habsburgs and the cultural and artistic role played by the country's... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Graz Introduction Walking Tour
There were settlements in the Graz area as early as the end of the Copper Age. However, Graz, as Graz, did not truly emerge until the 12th century. The Babenberg dukes swapped hegemony over the area until Otakar III built the Hauptplatz, the main square of the city in 1160.
Otakar was one of the Babenberg dukes. Under Babenberg rule Graz developed into an important commercial center. By 1280... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Otakar was one of the Babenberg dukes. Under Babenberg rule Graz developed into an important commercial center. By 1280... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles