Cathedral Graz

In the middle of Bürgergasse and Burggasse lies "Grazer Dom". This cathedral, built in late Gothic style, is one of the most important buildings in Styria in terms of art and cultural history.

The exterior

The Graz Cathedral appears rather inconspicuous from the outside. Once decorated with elaborate paintings, today it is mainly white-painted surfaces with remnants of frescoes. There are also tombstones from the 16th to 20th centuries walled into the exterior walls. A special highlight can be found on the southern outer wall of the Graz Cathedral - the image of the Plague of God by Thomas of Villach. It is supposed to remind of the terrible plagues of 1480 in Graz.

The interior

Graz Cathedral holds an impressive interior, which has been remodeled several times over the centuries. As soon as you enter the church, you'll be overwhelmed by the size of the space and the impressive height of the vaulted ceilings. While the facades were once elaborately painted, today they present themselves in plain white. The nave is fascinating with its pillars that draw the eye to the elaborately decorated altar. This baroque altar from the 1730s is one of the most important in all of Austria. At the ends of the side aisles are two ornate reliquaries on marble pedestals from the 16th century. The magnificent pulpit and impressive organ from 1978 also contribute to the captivating atmosphere of the interior.

Events and guided tours

However, the cathedral serves not only as a church, but is also a popular venue for events. It offers a unique setting for concerts, choir performances and organ recitals. In addition, various guided tours are offered: Playful tours for children, tours for adults that delve deeper into the history and architecture, special confirmation group tours, as well as family tours and flashlight tours that offer special insights in a nighttime atmosphere.

The origin of the church dedicated to St. Aegydius dates back to the 12th century, although nothing of it is preserved today. In the 15th century, under Emperor Frederick III, the present court church of the Roman-German emperors was built in its place.The important church was built over centuries and experienced various architectural styles, especially Gothic and Renaissance.Graz Cathedral has witnessed numerous historical events over the centuries. For example, it served as a backdrop for royal weddings, coronations and important religious ceremonies.

By car: If you plan to travel by car, be aware that there are often traffic restrictions in city centers.So it is recommended to park your car in a nearby parking garage and then walk to the cathedral.

By public transport: Graz also has a well-developed public transportation network with streetcars and buses.You can use public transportation to get to Graz Cathedral.

On foot: If you are already in downtown Graz, you can often easily get to Graz Cathedral on foot.The exact walking time depends on your starting point.