Landeszeughaus (Styrian Armory), Graz (must see)

The Styrian Armoury is one of Graz’s most remarkable historic attractions and the largest preserved historical arsenal in the world. Located in the Old Town, just off the Main Square, it was built between 1642 and 1645. At the time, Styria stood on the frontier of the Habsburg Empire and frequently faced threats from the Ottoman Empire. The armoury was created as a vast military warehouse where weapons and equipment could be stored and rapidly distributed in times of conflict.

Even before entering, its exterior is worth admiring. Stand on the pedestrian street directly in front of the building to appreciate the magnificent Baroque portal, flanked by stone statues of Mars and Minerva. Sculpted in 1644, these imposing figures personify war and strategic wisdom, framing a heavy timber gate that historically served as the high-security entrance for guards and municipal troops.

Today, the building houses more than 32,000 historic objects spread across four wooden floors. The collection includes cannons, muskets, lances, halberds, partisans, swords, sabres, helmets, and even armour for horses. As one of the principal arms depots of the Habsburg Empire, the armoury offers a vivid picture of military life during the 16th and 17th centuries. Once you pass through the main entrance doors, walk to the third floor and look down the main central corridor to view the dense rows of infantry polearm and staff-weapon racks. This spectacular aisle displays thousands of historic halberds, spears, and pikes arranged shoulder to shoulder on original pinewood racks.

Yet the most valuable and rare piece of defensive gear on display is found nearby. Remaining on the third floor, navigate toward the equestrian display area to find the final highlight: a masterfully crafted, fully intact 16th-century horse armour. Made by the famous plate armourer Conrad Richter in the arms hub of Augsburg, this incredibly rare artifact consists of meticulously articulated iron plates designed to shield a steed from incoming sword slashes and arrow strikes.

The armoury’s survival is a story in itself. After the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699 ended the Ottoman threat, the arsenal lost much of its military importance. In 1745, Empress Maria Theresa sought to centralize Austria’s defenses and ordered the weapons transferred to Vienna. The Styrian Estates successfully petitioned to preserve the collection as a memorial to the region’s history, ensuring its survival for future generations.