Summary

Elvie Lins explores Graz, Austria's second-largest city, highlighting its historical landmarks, cultural festivities, and personal experiences during the visit.

Abstract

Graz, the capital of Styria, is depicted as a city rich in history and culture, with significant landmarks such as the Schlosberg, the Hackher Lion statue, the Bell Tower, and the Clock Tower. Elvie Lins shares a personal narrative of her and her husband's visit, detailing their hike to the Schlosberg, the historical significance of the Hackher Lion, and the daily ringing of the "liesl" bell. The article also describes the thrilling slide down from the clock tower through a tunnel system and the vibrant Beer Fest with traditional dances and local vendors. The exploration includes a visit to the Gothic Franciscan Church and concludes with an invitation for readers to share their travel stories on Medium.

Opinions

The author is captivated by Graz's history and eagerly shares her experiences.
The Hackher Lion is seen as a symbol of resilience and local pride.
The Bell Tower's preservation from French bombardment is attributed to citizen intervention, indicating a sense of community and historical appreciation.
The clock tower's historical significance and its characteristic wooden gallery are noted with admiration.
The tunnel slide experience is described with excitement, suggesting it as a unique and memorable activity.
The Beer Fest is portrayed as a lively and inclusive event, showcasing local culture and tradition.
The Franciscan Church is praised for its Gothic architecture and cultural importance.
The author encourages readers to engage with travel writing, hinting at the potential for both enjoyment and income.

TRAVEL & PHOTOGRAPHY

Discover the Many Faces of Graz

The Second Largest City of Austria

Graz city center during my visit they have Beer Feast. Image by Elvie Lins

Graz is the capital of Styria and the second-largest city in Austria after Vienna. It has a population of about 280,000 and is located in the east of the country, near the border with Slovenia. The city is known for its universities, museums, and theaters, as well as for its medieval old town.

Graz city fascinates me with its history and I am about to share this with you.

My husband and I went for a little hike towards the Schlosberg . (Clocktower)

I notice this huge statue of a Lion facing the city and I thought, wow, just like we have in Singapore.

The Hackher Lion

In May of 1809, Major Franz Hackher zu Hart received orders to defend the Schlosberg against Napoleon’s Troops. Together with 17 officers and 896 soldiers, they held the fortress against the mighty foe.

The French with 3000 men, launched unsuccessful assaults. Only after an armistice had been arranged, Hackher withdraw his men. Thus, the Hackher Lion is erected.

The Bell Tower

The intervention of the Citizens in Graz spared this tower from French bombs in 1809.

This bell tower has a 34-meter high, octagonal bell tower commissioned by Archduke Karl II and was built in 1588. It houses the third largest bell in Styria, the “liesl” cast in Graz in 1587 by Mert Hilger. It has a diameter of nearly two meters and weighs 4632 kg.

The bell rings 101 strokes daily at 7 am, 12 noon, and 7 pm.

The Clock Tower

The landmark of Graz and is also one of the city’s oldest buildings. The tower on the highest spot of the town wall was mentioned as early as 1265. After 1560, the characteristic wooden gallery was added to the tower as well as the clock with clockworks dating from 1712.

The roof houses three bells — the Armensünderglocke (1450) and the large hour bell (1382). Belfry, which is turned southward, houses the fire alarm bell cast in 1645.

The Tunnel underneath the Bell tower

The tunnel view. On the right image was where I exited when I did the slide from the top down like a screwdriver. Image by Elvie Lins

The most important accesses to this tunnel system are at Schlossbergplatz, Wickenburggasse at the Jahn Monument above Karmeliterplatz, and at Stiegenkirche in Sporgasse.

There are some other entrances, for example, the courtyard of the Krebensenkeller or near the Schlossberg Funicular.

We took the slide down from the clock tower and it was frickin’ crazy like a screw all the way down.

This is what the slides look like inside the tunnel. **Source**. Screenshot by Elvie Lins

The Beautiful People of Graz

Women dress in traditional costumes and the beautiful building — Image by Elvie Lins

It was Sunday when we visited Graz and the people celebrate Beer Fest.

The Beer Fest in Graz is one of the biggest and most popular events in the city. Every year, thousands of people come from all over the world to enjoy the many different kinds of beer that are on offer.

My husband wants to buy these house shoes. Image by Elvie Lins

During Beer Fest, there are other vendors selling handmade products.

The city center was blocked and people were dancing the traditional dance as well as eating traditional sausages.

Images screenshots from my short video clips.

I went inside The Franciscan Church

Inside the Franciscan Church- Image by Elvie Lins

The Franciscan Church in Graz is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The church was built in the 13th century and is one of Austria’s most important Gothic buildings.

This church is located in the city center of Graz and is a popular tourist destination. The church has a beautiful interior with many paintings and sculptures. The Franciscan Church is an important part of the city’s history and culture.

Overview of Graz city from the Bell tower by Elvie Lins

I hope you had a great time seeing the second largest city in Austria with me.

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