Sporgasse (Spor Street), Graz (must see)

Spor Street is older than Graz. It began its career as a street for commerce in Roman times. It was originally a trade route called the Strata Hungarica. It extended from the Murtal to the Roman provincial capital. The name Spor refers to the word "spur." Spur makers and armorers lived here in the 14th century.

The street today is mainly a pedestrianized shopping street lined with historical buildings. On the edge of the Main Square is the 15th and 16th century stuccoed, baroque Luegg-haus. Opposite is the Art Nouveau House with a 16th century core and a flowery Art Nouveau facade (built in 1900).

Nearby the Art Nouveau House is the Baroque and Rococo facade of the "Inn To the Roman Emperor." It was built in the 15th century and rebuilt in 1755. The Staircase church is the oldest parish church in Graz, first noted in a document in 1343. The House of the Teutonic Knights, built in the 15th century, has an inner courtyard with pillar arcades.

The Palace Saurai is at the upper end of the street. It is from 1566. There is a statue of a sword-wielding Turk in front. The "Golden Pate Inn" with a round bay window and arched stone gates dates from the 17th century. Queen Elizabeth II had dinner there in 1967.

Today, ancient Spor Street lives up to its history as a street for commerce. It is a busy no-cars shopping zone with stores offering exotically flavored ice creams, sneakers, shoes, watches and jewelry, baked goods and Italian fashions. And the list goes on.