Saint Catherine's Church and Mausoleum, Graz

The Mausoleum and Saint Catherine’s Church form one of the most impressive Baroque ensembles in Austria and stand among the most important landmarks in Graz. The complex was commissioned in 1614 by the future Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II, who was born in Graz in 1578 and educated by the Jesuits. A staunch defender of Catholicism during the Counter-Reformation, Ferdinand chose this site as his final resting place and commissioned his favorite architect, Giovanni Pietro de Pomis, to design both the church and mausoleum.

Construction began in 1614, blending Italian Mannerist influences with the emerging Baroque style. However, de Pomis died before the project was completed, and Ferdinand himself was eventually buried in the unfinished church. The work was finally completed in 1687 under the direction of Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, commissioned by Ferdinand’s grandson, Emperor Leopold I.

The complex consists of Saint Catherine’s Church and the imperial mausoleum beneath the great dome on the right side of the building. Its architecture is particularly striking, combining Austrian Baroque elements with the dramatic appearance of Roman churches. Inside, visitors can admire the magnificent high altar created by Fischer von Erlach in 1696, elaborate stucco decoration, and exceptionally fine ceiling frescoes.

The mausoleum’s vast crypt is one of its most impressive features. Ferdinand II, his mother Maria of Bavaria, and other members of the Habsburg family are buried here. A convex mirror in the crypt allows visitors to appreciate the ceiling paintings from a unique perspective, while the imperial sarcophagi lie below ground level.

For tourists, another highlight is the opportunity to climb the bell tower for panoramic views over Graz’s historic center. Rich in art, architecture, and imperial history, the complex offers a fascinating glimpse into the ambitions and legacy of one of the Habsburg Empire’s most influential rulers.