GRAZ
Many sleepless nights await you in the Austrian city of Graz!
There are so many things to discover in Graz, that you will not have time to get bored: fascinating festivals, singular museums, unforgettable excursions, a great culinary experience and several historic monuments protected by the UNESCO.
The capital city of Styria will strike you by its beauty and freshness. It is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, its history dating back to the Copper Age. In medieval times it became the residence of the Habsburgs Inner Austrian line.
Due to such a rich background, the old part of the city is included in the World Heritage List, displaying a various collection of buildings from different epochs, true architectural treasures for our times.
If you are in the mood for a little history, take a walk along the streets of Graz to enjoy the pleasure of admiring pieces of art at every corner.
The architecture is, therefore, the pride of the city. Protestant like buildings (Landhaus) and Catholic like constructions (the Mausoleum, the old University, the Minoritenkirche) oppose and display the genius of the human creation. The Baroque architecture is best represented by the Schloss Eggenberg.
Many historical buildings are nowadays home for a number of museums. Some of them are no where else to be found in the world: Dolls’ Cabinet, House of Architecture, Image and Sound Archive, Kunsthaus, Folklife and Folk Art, Museum of Perception, Tramway Museum, Criminological Museum, are only some of them.
Once you get to Austria, the land of music and opera, don’t forget to buy tickets for the Oper Graz opera house or the Helmut-List-Halle music arena to spend some hours of magic.
Schauspielhaus, the main theatre, is opened for lively representations of famous literary pieces.
The well-known American actor and currently governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Graz.
The best attractions for tourists in Graz are the Cathedral (with fine paintings and a colored marble altar in Baroque style), the Hauptplatz (or the Main Square, built in medieval times and holding the statue of Archduke Johann), the Town Hall, the Botanical Garden (a beautiful collection of species), the Stadtpark (with numerous statues and busts of famous people and a cafe), the Mariatrost Basilica (an old Baroque church, a place of pilgrimage for Christians), the Armoury Museum (unique in the world), the Clock Tower (symbol of the city, offering a great panorama over it).
The Austrian classic balls tradition is yearly perpetuated by the organization of the Graz Opera ball (Opernredoute), every year in January. You will have to find a suitable outfit and prepare to dance valses all night in an incredible atmosphere!
The Diagonale festival of Austrian film will take place in April 2008, the perfect occasion for movie fans to spend a good time in Graz.
Moreover, classic music concerts happen all year, ensuring you a pleasant staying in one of the greatest Austrian cities!
