Graz is indeed a striking beauty – it can really take your breath away. Self-confidently, the city presents itself both with new, fascinating landmarks and historic monuments, among them entire districts such as the Old City Centre, honoured and protected as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
The city’s “lifeline” is the broad river Mur, providing a relaxed atmosphere to the rhythm of flowing water. But above all, Graz is a melting pot of cultures. For centuries, musicians, writers, architects and designers have set the tone in this, the European Cultural Capital 2003.
So how do you go about exploring this impressive cultural heritage site? The answer is simply “at your leisure”. Most of its many sights are located within easy reach of elegant coffee houses, fine restaurants, colourful country markets and trendy bars. Graz can be discovered and rediscovered time and time again. A noble flair reigns, such as can be found in the arcaded courtyard of the Landhaushof, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance.
Do not hesitate to visit the attractions: Schlossberg, the opera, and the cathedral of Contemporary Art (Kunsthaus), the Island in the Mur, the theatre, the opera, and the cathedral to name but a few, the “compulsory” tourist programme in Graz is a pure pleasure.