It is best to start visiting Graz from its most iconic landmarks - the Schlossberg hill and the Old Town, which form the historical heart of this Austrian city.

The Schlossberg is a majestic hill rising 123 meters above the city, which for centuries served a defensive function. The history of the site dates back to at least the 12th century, when the first fortification was erected here. The most fascinating fact is that despite repeated attempts, the fortress has never been conquered by invaders - even the Napoleonic army, which occupied the city in 1809, failed to defeat the Schlossberg defenders. It was not until the Peace of Schönbrunn that the Austrians were forced to destroy most of the fortifications. Today the hill is a charming city park, offering not only great views of the city skyline, but also numerous walking paths, cafes and restaurants. The summit can be reached on foot, climbing some 260 steps, or by using a modern elevator or funikular, which is definitely a more convenient option for families with children or the elderly.

At the top of the Schlossberg is Graz's most recognizable symbol - the Uhrturm, or Clock Tower. This 16th century monument has an unusual feature - the hands of the clock are reversed! The long hand shows the hours and the short hand the minutes, a curious feature that intrigues tourists. According to local legend, the builder of the tower got the hands wrong, and when the residents demanded a correction, he demanded such a high payment that the city decided to leave the clock as it was. Another version of the story says that this arrangement of the hands was intentional - the long pointer was better visible from a distance, allowing residents to read the time more accurately. The observation deck at the tower offers a breathtaking view of the red roofs of the Old City, the Mur River and the surrounding hills.

Graz's Old Town (Altstadt) is a true architectural gem, having been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets, you can admire perfectly preserved buildings from different eras - from Gothic, through Renaissance, to Baroque. Particularly charming are the Herrengasse and Sporgasse streets, with their richly decorated bourgeois townhouses. Noteworthy are the Luegghaus, with its beautiful stucco facade, and the Herzoghof, also known as the Painted House, decorated with frescoes by Johann Mayer from 1742. The Old Town is also home to numerous stores, cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy local specialties.

It is worth noting that unlike many European cities, Graz's Old Town was not destroyed during World War II, so it has retained its authentic historical character. It is this authenticity and the variety of architectural styles that makes this place unique. Walking through the Old Town is like taking a trip back in time, during which you can admire the harmonious combination of different eras and styles.

Graz is not only historic landmarks, but also modern architecture, which contrasts with the historic center in a fascinating way. The most spectacular example of modern architecture in the city is undoubtedly the Kunsthaus Graz, also known as the 'friendly alien'.

The Kunsthaus Graz is a futuristic contemporary art museum that opened in 2003 on the occasion of Graz's election as European Capital of Culture. Designed by British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, the building resembles a giant blue alien or bubble that has landed in the midst of the city's historic buildings. Its organic, biomorphic form is covered with blue acrylic panels, which light up at night to create an extraordinary light show. Interestingly, on the building's facade is the BIX installation, a huge LED screen that serves as a platform for artistic presentations. The Kunsthaus does not have a permanent collection, instead holding changing exhibitions of contemporary art, design and new media. The museum's interior is just as futuristic as its exterior - spacious, white exhibition halls are connected by escalators and ramps that take visitors through the levels of the exhibition.

Just steps away from the Kunsthaus, on the Mur River, is another modern attraction in Graz - the Murinsel (Island on the Wall). This artificial island in the shape of a seashell, or semi-open sea creature, was designed by American artist Vito Acconci and was also created on the occasion of Graz's selection as European Capital of Culture in 2003. The Murinsel is a 47-meter-long steel structure that connects the two banks of the river. It features a café, an outdoor amphitheater and a children's playground. In the evening, like the Kunsthaus, the Murinsel lights up with colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere along the river. According to local legend, the Murinsel was meant to be a temporary installation, but the people of Graz loved it so much that it was decided to keep it permanently.

The centerpiece of the Old Town is Hauptplatz, Graz's main square, which has been the heart of city life since the Middle Ages. Surrounded by beautiful townhouses from different eras, the square impresses with its architectural diversity. It is dominated by the City Hall (Rathaus) from the 19th century, built in the classicist style. In the middle of the square stands a fountain with a statue of Archduke Johann (Erzherzog Johann Brunnen), brother of Emperor Franz I, who was a great lover and promoter of Styria. Archduke John became famous for defying convention by marrying the daughter of an ordinary letter carrier, which made him the hero of romantic stories. Hauptplatz is also the site of numerous cultural events, fairs and festivals. During the Advent season, the square turns into a magical Christmas market that attracts thousands of tourists.

It is worth noting that Graz's modern attractions, such as the Kunsthaus and Murinsel, were created as part of the city's strategy to combine its rich historical heritage with innovation and modernity. This strategy has proven extremely successful - Graz is today considered one of Austria's most progressive cities, successfully combining tradition with modernity. The contrast between the historic Old Town and futuristic buildings creates a fascinating dynamic that makes Graz a unique place on the map of Europe.

Graz hides many more architectural treasures that will delight lovers of history and art. Among them are buildings of extraordinary historical and artistic value that are a must-visit during your stay in this Austrian city.

St. Giles Cathedral (Grazer Dom) is one of Graz's most important religious monuments. It was built in the 15th century on the initiative of Emperor Frederick III, and later rebuilt in Baroque style in the 17th and 18th centuries. The interior of the cathedral impresses with its rich ornamentation, frescoes and sculptures. Of particular interest is the Gothic fresco 'The Plague' from 1480, depicting the three plagues: war, pestilence and locusts, which were to haunt mankind as punishment for sins. It is a remarkable work of medieval art that has survived to the present day. Next to the cathedral is the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, which was designed by Italian architect Pietro de Pomis. The interior of the mausoleum is decorated with marble sculptures and beautiful frescoes. A red marble sarcophagus hides the remains of the emperor's mother, Maria of Bavaria, while Ferdinand II himself rests behind a simple plaque on the wall. According to local tradition, touching the sarcophagus brings good luck in love.

Grazer Burg, or Graz Castle, is a former Habsburg residence that for centuries was the seat of the rulers of Styria. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 15th century, but the building has been rebuilt and expanded several times by successive rulers. Today it houses the seat of the Styrian state government. Visitors can admire the representative halls, including the Knights' Hall (Rittersaal) with its impressive coffered ceiling. Of particular interest is the castle chapel, dating back to the 15th century, where Gothic frescoes have been preserved. According to local legend, there is a secret tunnel in the castle's basement, which was supposed to serve as an escape route for rulers in case of danger. The tunnel is said to lead all the way to Schlossberg, although it has never been fully explored.

The castle complex is home to an architectural rarity on a global scale - the Doppelwendeltreppe, or Double Spiral Staircase. This unusual structure, dating back to 1499, consists of two spiral staircases that rise side by side, but do not connect to each other. People ascending the different spirals may pass each other, but they will never meet on the same steps. This staircase is called the 'staircase of reconciliation' because, according to legend, it served a princely couple who were quarreling - they could use the same entrance without meeting each other. Another version says that the staircase had a practical use - one spiral led to the women's chambers and the other to the men's chambers. Regardless of its true purpose, the Doppelwendeltreppe is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture that impresses with its precision workmanship and ingenuity.

The Styrian Armory (Landeszeughaus) is the world's largest surviving historical armory. It was founded in the 17th century to equip troops defending the southeastern border of the Habsburg Empire against Turkish invasions. Today you can admire an impressive collection of more than 32,000 exhibits - armor, helmets, swords, halberds, muskets and other weapons from the 16th-18th centuries. Particularly impressive is the sight of the rows of gleaming armor that stand on five floors of the armory, as if waiting for their owners. Noteworthy are the children's armors, which were made for young princes as part of their military education. It is interesting to note that the armory survived almost intact because Napoleon, when occupying the city in 1809, did not know of its existence - the citizens of Graz cleverly bricked up the entrance and hid it from the French troops.

All of these sites are located within walking distance of each other within the Old Town, making them easily accessible in a single walk. Each offers a unique experience and gives you a better understanding of Graz's rich history and its importance as the cultural and political capital of Styria. Visiting these architectural gems is a true feast for lovers of history, art and architecture.