Graz

Graz is the second largest city of Austria and the capital of the Styria province. Graz is an interesting and historic place with much to offer to the visitor. At this place there was a settlement and a hill-fort as early as the 9th century. Later the city developed at the foot of the hill and was an important part of the battles for stopping the Turk invasion in Europe. By the 18th century however, the city was out shined by Vienna as the cultural and administrative center of the Hapsburg empire. In 1811 was founded the first public museum in Austria – the Landesmuseum Joanneum of Graz. This museum complex, with 12 locations, has notable collections of art, archeology and armor, as well as fossils and folk life. At WWII Graz was heavily bombarded, but the historic old town remained intact and now is UNESCO world cultural heritage site. When visiting this wonderful city, you should prepare foe a nice tour of the landmarks and museums of Graz, and plan some time for a free walk in the old town and the 19th century districts east of it. It is a good idea to learn Graz's tram-ride, which is the most diverse in Austria in order to move freely in the town. Being an university town with more than 40.000 students living in Graz at each moment it is obvious that the nightlife and modern type of entertainments are very well developed and it is advisable to put some good modern fun in your program. There is also vibrant cultural life that roams the streets of Graz with the city being designated "European Capital of Culture of 2003". Major landmarks and must-sees of Graz are: the square Hauptplatz, the Zeughaus, the cathedral Stadtpfarrkirche, the Naturhistorisches Museum, the Burg pallace, the Volkskundenmuseum, the market street Sackstrasse, Schloss Eggenberg residence and the Austrian Open-Air Museum. And don't forget - there are tons more of attractions, activities and interesting places to see in the city of Graz, visit them and write here at HolidayStreets.com about their beauty and mystery!