Schlossberg fortress. Schlossberg fortress and castle in Graz (UNESCO heritage)

About the castle

Schlossberg Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in the city of Graz in Austria. The building stands on a high hill in the oldest part of the city and its name means “Castle Hill”.

Historical reference

The castle was built in 1125 and has been the residence of emperors since the 15th century. It was never captured until 1809. Three times Napoleonic troops tried to take the fortress, and only in 1809 they managed to blow it up. And in 1839, a city park was laid out here, but the castle itself was never fully restored.

One of the most interesting buildings of the castle is the Urturm Tower (German: Uhrturm), which offers a beautiful view of the city.

Information for tourists

At the moment, this place has many interesting structures to visit. Many fortifications, as well as theaters, cafes and a park located on the territory of the castle.

There are three ways to get to the castle grounds. One of them, and one of the most difficult, is climbing on foot. And since the height of the mountain is 70 meters, and the steps are located in a zigzag, which makes the climb difficult, it will take about half an hour and take a little energy. But the entire climb is equipped with rest areas, with whose help you can enjoy the views of the nearby city. Most visitors to the castle prefer to descend rather than ascend this way. The second method of ascent is a funicular, whose name since 1894 is Schlossbergbahn. And the third way is an elevator, which rises to a height of 77 meters in a matter of minutes.

The most interesting and popular place to visit is the Clock Tower, built in 1265 and restored in 1569. This chapel is interesting and unique in that initially its clock had only one hand, indicating only the hours. Over time, a minute hand was added to it, but it was smaller than the previous one. And now the long and plump hand shows the hours, and the smaller one shows the minutes, and this confuses visitors. From this place and the nearby Bell Tower there is a wonderful view of the surrounding city.

A military museum was also built on the castle grounds. It displays ancient cannons, and ancient weapons have been collected since 1551. This is the largest arsenal of weapons in the world, with 30,000 exhibits. Nearby, in the open air, there is a theater and in the warm season you can see performances there. It is also worth paying attention to the exhibition halls located in the catacombs, the beautiful Chinese pavilion, as well as the unusual Gothic entrance gate.

You can visit the castle every day from 10:00 to 17:00. And the entrance ticket price is $4 for an adult, and free for a student or child. You can get to your destination by tram 4, 5, 12 to the Schlossbergbahn stop (SacktraBc) or by taking a sightseeing trip around the city of Graz.

The city's attractions

There are many interesting sights to visit around the city of Graz. One of them is an arena built in the mid-1990s and originally named after Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was born and raised in the Austrian village of Thal before becoming famous. But it was renamed in 2005 to SKP Arena. Also very beautiful place to visit is the Landhaushof. This beautiful courtyard was created in the second half of the 15th century. It is famous for its surrounding Renaissance façade and dramatic arches. And also the luxurious buildings around the palace, thanks to Italian architecture. Also historically interesting place To visit is the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, located in the Old Town area. You can visit this place any day from 10:30 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 16:00. You can also relax and get a lot of pleasure near the Mur River and explore artificial island"Moore Island" in the form of an open shell. And just have a nice time, swim and sunbathe on Copcabana beach. The beach and island are open daily and entry is free.

Today, Schlossburg or Burg, as it is called in Solingen, has been completely reconstructed. It is the largest restored castle in Germany. It was built in the 12th century. At first the castle was called Neuenburg. Its owners for several centuries were representatives of the Berg family. Since the 15th century, the castle received its modern name Schlossburg.

Schlossburg Castle in German Solingen in 1648 it was turned into ruins by imperial troops. After this, some buildings of the complex were restored and tried to be used, but the empty buildings of Schlossburg continued to steadily collapse.

Probably, only the gloomy ruins of the once grandiose castle would have survived to this day, if not for the initiative of the architect Gerhard August Fischer. In 1882, he proposed to recreate Schlossburg using ancient images. His initiative was supported - a special Association was created to restore and preserve the castle.

Today Schlossburg or Burg, as it is called in Solingen, has been completely reconstructed. It is the largest restored castle in Germany.

Burg Castle (Schloss Burg), photo Robert

Schlossburg over the river Wupper (Schlossburg an der Wupper) built in the 12th century. At first the castle was called Neuenburg - “New Mountain”. Its owners for several centuries were representatives of the Berg family, who bore high noble titles and clergy. Since the 15th century, the castle received its modern name Schlossburg. After reconstruction, it was used as a hunting lodge and a palace for ceremonies, until the Thirty Years' War, which brought it complete ruin.

Burg Castle (Schloss Burg), photo CGilles7

The restoration of Schlossburg lasted almost a quarter of a century (1890 – 1914). Architects, builders, and artists from the Dusseldorf Academy worked on the project. The work was almost completed when, in the late autumn of 1920, a strong fire destroyed and damaged most of the restored premises. I had to raise funds again and start work again. This stage of reconstruction took place in the period 1922-25.

Today the castle has been reconstructed according to the model of 1715. Schlossburg is located on a hill. Visitors reach it on foot or by the Seilbahn cable car.

The spacious courtyard of the castle is paved with rough stone - the same stone is used for the walls of the main building. In front of him on a pedestal is a bronze equestrian statue of the archbishop Engelbert II from the Berg family. The exposition of the museum located inside begins with the history of this family. Siege tower.

Burg Castle (Schloss Burg), photo Stappi70

Bergische Museum has been in existence since 1894. The history of the county is illustrated in it with the help of ancient artifacts, paintings, and architectural models. The museum halls display knightly armor, hunting trophies, household items, a large collection of coins, and many other rare exhibits and works of art.

Burg Castle (Schloss Burg), photo Stappi70

The various rooms of the castle are connected to each other by covered galleries. Visitors can walk everywhere - even the premises under reconstruction are not closed from the public. Schlossburg is called the “heart” Fireplace Hall with paintings on the walls. Ceremonial receptions were once held in a large Knight's Hall with columns. The walls of the great hall are painted with scenes from aristocratic life in the castle. The Gothic chapel of the castle was in former times intended only for its owners, but now weddings take place there.

For tourists and townspeople, knightly tournaments, fairs with local handicrafts, concerts, performances and festive performances are held in the Schlossburg courtyard.

Burg Castle (Schloss Burg), photo CGilles7

Schlossplatz 2 42659 Solingen, Germany
schlossburg.de‎

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Schlossberg Castle

Schlossberg Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in the city of Graz in Austria. The building stands on a high hill in the oldest part of the city and its name means “Castle Hill”.

Historical information The castle was built in 1125 and has been the residence of emperors since the 15th century. It was never captured until 1809. Three times Napoleonic troops tried to take the fortress, and only in 1809 they managed to blow it up. And in 1839, a city park was laid out here, but the castle itself was never fully restored.

One of the most interesting buildings of the castle is the Urturm Tower (German: Uhrturm), which offers a beautiful view of the city.

Information for tourists At the moment, there are many interesting structures to visit in this place. Many fortifications, as well as theaters, cafes and a park located on the territory of the castle.

Until five in the evening you can book an educational tour with a guide around the castle grounds. Here you can also have a delicious lunch in small cafes and buy traditional souvenirs in specialized shops.
You can visit the castle every day from 10:00 to 17:00. And the entrance ticket price is $4 for an adult, and free for a student or child. You can get to your destination by tram 4, 5, 12 to the Schlossbergbahn stop (SacktraBc) or by taking a sightseeing trip around the city of Graz.

City Attractions There are many interesting sights to visit around the city of Graz. One of them is an arena built in the mid-1990s and originally named after Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was born and raised in the Austrian village of Thal before becoming famous. But it was renamed in 2005 to SKP Arena. Also a very beautiful place to visit is the Landhaushof. This beautiful courtyard was created in the second half of the 15th century. It is famous for its surrounding Renaissance façade and dramatic arches. And also the luxurious buildings around the palace, thanks to Italian architecture. Also a historically interesting place to visit is the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, located in the Old Town area. You can visit this place any day from 10:30 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 16:00. You can also relax and get a lot of pleasure near the Moore River and explore the artificial island “Moore Island” in the form of an open shell. And just have a nice time, swim and sunbathe on Copcabana beach. The beach and island are open daily and entry is free.

Schlossberg (German: Schlossberg), the name translates as Castle Hill, is a popular place among tourists. The height of the mountain is 450 meters. The interest of travelers is caused by three facts: for some time it was the capital of Austria. The second fact is that the Schlossberg fortress was included in the Guinness Book of Records as a fortress that no one managed to take. And the third fact: In 1999, the Schlossberg castle mountain was listed World Heritage UNESCO as a cultural monument.

The Schlossberg fortress has a history of more than a thousand years. It was erected in 1125 on the site of an old defensive structure.

What amazes and delights in Graz is the careful attitude towards history and how historical places are used.

This is a historical cultural and park area. Here is the symbol of Graz (Uhr Turm).

The resting place is a beautiful park, divided into historical walking trails. Here you can take a walk and relax in the shade of the trees. You can have a snack. Admire the views of Graz from the mountain.

Performances, concerts and festivals take place on the territory of the fortress. The hall is located on the territory of the castle casemates. Before the performance, a roof is stretched over them, and a stage and auditorium are assembled below. The acoustics are good, so the venue is used for modern arts, operas, and classical music concerts.

See the program of cultural events on the official Graz website (link to it at the end of the article) or in the tourist information.

There is a funicular going up the mountain. You can climb the mountain quickly. The cabins offer beautiful views of the city.

History of the Schlossberg Fortress

Slavic tribes have lived on the territory of Graz since ancient times. The name of the city itself comes from the Slavic word gradec - fortification.

The fortress as a serious fortification structure arose in the 12th century. By this time, Graz, under the control of the ducal Babenberg dynasty, became an important trading center.

100 years later, in the 13th century, the city received special privileges from King Rudolf I.

And after another 100 years, Graz became the seat of the Habsburg dynasty.

I found this picture on the net. It is written that this is Schlossberg. I can’t believe it... But it generally creates the mood and idea of life in castles.

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Construction began with the construction of the first tower - Bergfried. Enough high building, equipped with small windows, occupies a small area at the base. The far-sighted residents of Graz perfectly equipped the tower: it had everything needed for defense and further construction of the fortress.

The next building was the Clock Tower.

The tower is the symbol of Graz. It can be seen from different points of the old city.

The location of Graz shaped the fate of the city. For a long time the city was an important defensive point on the border of the Roman Empire.

He fought off numerous attacks by local tribes and Hungarians. The weapons used by the city's defenders can be seen in Graz.

In 1481, the city repelled an attack by the Hungarians.
Graz was the capital of Austria for a short time. Emperor Frederick III left Vienna and took refuge from the Hungarian attack in Graz.

In 1529, Graz repelled an attack by the Ottoman Turks.

In 1531, Graz defeated the Turkish army in a battle and stopped the capture of Europe by the Ottoman Turks. In connection with this event, we must pay tribute to another Austrian fortress - Regensburg with an equally heroic history.

The Turks destroyed part of the castle hill, so in 1543 large-scale work began to restore, strengthen and reconstruct the fortress.

It was difficult to carry out construction work, because... part of the fortress was located on a steep mountain, so the Italian architect Domenico Del'Alio was invited to Graz. At the same time, he was engaged in reconstruction.

It was Domenico Del'Alio who came up with an ingenious solution: he built a “freight elevator” to deliver goods upstairs.

Over time, this upward move was modified and turned into a rail funicular. I will tell you about it below.

Old buildings were demolished. Instead, more modern and reliable ones were built. Construction was completed by the beginning of the 17th century.

The next glorious page in the history of the fortress is the war with Napoleon.

In 1809, Napoleon's army occupied Vienna, but the army of thousands was unable to take Graz.

Then Bonaparte used blackmail - he promised to burn the buildings of Vienna until the Schlossberg fortress opened its gates to him. Only this forced the garrison to surrender.

After entering Graz and defeating the Habsburgs, Napoleon ordered the Schlossberg fortress to be razed to the ground.

Residents of Graz collected money and paid monetary compensation for the clock tower and bell tower. So they saved two historical monuments from destruction.

The two bastions were also well preserved (it was obviously not easy to destroy such a fortress).

Graz City Park. 1878 plan

Click on the map to enlarge it.

30 years later, in 1839, on the initiative of the famous Austrian military leader Baron Ludwig von Velden, the former fortress was transformed into a city park. The park still exists today.

In the mid-19th century, a restaurant was opened on the mountain. You can go there to relax and eat.

Attractions of the Schlossberg Fortress

Clock tower.

Around the tower Observation deck with views of Graz. There are park paths leading from the tower. They are located on terraces.

Near the tower there is a monument to a dog. It is connected with a legend when a dog barked to warn the guards that enemies were sneaking into the fortress to kidnap the bride from the castle. The groom received a refusal the day before.

Dogs are allowed into the park. There is even a special tap with a drinking bowl. Tradition.

Turkish well

It was built in 1544-1547. The depth of the well shaft is 94 meters, reaching the waters of the Mur River. During the siege, the well provided water to the entire fortress.

Cannon Hut

There was a prison here. Now it is a military garrison museum.

Signal guns

4 cannons, which were called "Four Evangelists". Until 1787, they warned the population about the approaching enemy.

In 1809, the cannons fell into the hands of the French.

Cerrini Castle

Named after the commander of the defense against Napoleon's troops.

Height 34 meters. After destruction by the Turks, it was rebuilt in 1588. Inside the tower is a bell weighing 4632 kg. The bell has a special sound and, of course, its own name - Liesl.

It was cast in 1587 from 101 captured Turkish cannonballs. Therefore, the bell strikes 101 times a day. To be honest, we never heard a fight. Maybe he calls on some special holiday.

So that the bell could ring (and hang in the tower - it’s 5 tons after all), blacksmiths forged a special mechanism. The bell tower is very popular among tourists. It offers beautiful views of Graz.

Sculpture-monument to Major Franz Hackner. His valor, courage and duty. Under the command of a major, the fortress garrison, numbering less than 1,000 soldiers and officers, more than 8 times repelled the attacks of Napoleon's French army, whose forces exceeded 4,000 people.

The image of Major Hackner has not survived, so the city residents embodied their memory and gratitude to the defender of Schlossberg in the image of a lion.

The monument was erected on this site in 1908, 100 years after the siege of the fortress by the French.

Even if you don’t know this story, you want to stop and be silent near the lion. Unusual lion. It contains dignity, beauty, and something else that cannot be expressed in words.

Openwork tank (Great Well)

The tank capacity is 900,000 liters. It was built in 1544 - 1547. The reservoir collected rainwater that passed through a filter system. It was decorated with a beautiful openwork lattice in 1739.

Concerts are held here now.

Steps to Mount Schlossberg

The steps are also an attraction. Their official name— Schlossbergsteig (Schlossberg steps). The steps were built during World War I by Austrian pioneers and Russian prisoners of war. Therefore, another name is “Russensteig” (Russian steps) or “Kriegssteig” (Military steps).

From 1924 to 1928 an additional branch was added to the steps leading to the western part of the castle hill.

Modern legend says that Arnold Schwarzenegger, who lived in Graz, ran up these steps every morning. But this is a legend, because... Arnold lived in a village and it would have been too far for him to run.

Adits

Another attraction is the adits inside the mountain. Previously, tunnels under the fortress connected the two castles Big and Small, and also led into the city to important buildings. Now you can take an elevator up the tunnel to the fortress territory.

When you enter the tunnel, you can see old passages, excavations and rails. During World War II, the adits served as a bomb shelter for city residents.

Here is the entrance to the castle grounds and the elevator to the mountain

We heard that there is now a fabulous underground railway running through the tunnels and you can ride along it. But we don’t have detailed information. Ask at the tourist information office. If anyone knows about this road, please tell me in the comments.

How to get to the castle on the Schlossberg mountain

Easy to get there. The castle is visible from anywhere in the old city. See map below.
There are three ways to climb the castle hill.

Along the Schlossberg steps. They start at Schlossbergplatz. The steps have rest areas.
Right here on the elevator.
On the funicular. The funicular stop is located next to the island on the Mur River.

Schlossberg on the map

Funicular operating hours

IN summer time(April—September):

Sunday - Wednesday: from 09:00 to 24:00
Thursday - Saturday: from 09:00 to 02:00

In winter (October-March):

Sunday - Wednesday: from 10:00 to 24:00
Thursday - Saturday: from 10:00 to 02:00

Cost of cable car tickets

Ticket price 2 euros 10 cents

How much does it cost to enter the Schlossberg Fortress?

Since the former fortress is currently a city park, entry to the park is free for everyone.

The park is open to the public every day throughout the year. A visit to the Schlossberg Fortress is included in numerous sightseeing tours.

Official website of Graz: www.graztourismus.at

Sincerely,

For tourists

At the moment, this place has many interesting structures to visit. There are many fortifications, as well as theaters, cafes and a park located on the territory of the castle.

You can visit the castle every day from 10:00 to 17:00. And the entrance ticket price is $4 for an adult, and free for a student or child.