Highlights of Graz, Graz, Austria

Graz’s recognition on the World Heritage list is primarily due to the treasure trove of its architecture in the historic center. It is literally one of those towns whose streets you want to explore over and over again.

I started my acquaintance with the town at Schloss Eggenberg, located some distance from the center but included in the World Heritage property.

The Baroque Palace in its completed form dates from the mid-18th century. In the winter season, its interior spaces are closed to the visitors, but a nominal fee allows access to the gardens and the courtyard with its galleries.

The dominating feature of Hauptplatz is the Town Hall, seen here with a fragment of Archduke Johann fountain.

Herengasse, the main central street, is off limits to the motorized traffic, but the regularly passing trams are a hazard for any tourist who is not habitually used to such an arrangement.

Its official name is Herzogshof, onetime residence of Dukes of Styria. But it is colloquially known as Gemaltes Haus (the Painted House). ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).