[Today's World Heritage] City of Graz - Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg 🇦🇹
Good morning. This is Shokichi.
I am currently studying to pass the World Heritage Specialist Level 1 exam, which is my next goal!
Every day, I will write an article introducing a World Heritage site I have studied.
This time, I will introduce the "Crossroads of Culture," the second-largest city in Austria, where medieval, Baroque, and contemporary art are beautifully harmonized: City of Graz - Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg .
Overview
Location: Styria, Republic of Austria
Year of Inscription: 1999 (Schloss Eggenberg was added as an extension in 2010)
Criteria Met
(ii) To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.
(iv) To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history.
Highlights
An "Architectural Ensemble" where Central European and Mediterranean cultures meet
Located in southeastern Austria, Graz has long flourished as a transportation hub connecting the Germanic, Slavic, and Mediterranean worlds. In the old town, which retains its medieval streetscape, buildings of diverse architectural styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque stand side by side without gaps. The beautiful cityscape with its continuous red-tiled roofs allows one to instantly feel the weight of history, where the art and technology of different cultures have been fused and nurtured over many centuries.
A Baroque masterpiece embodying a cosmic view: "Schloss Eggenberg"
Schloss Eggenberg, which was added to the World Heritage list in 2010, is a magnificent palace built in the 17th century. The most distinctive feature of this castle is its thorough symbolism of "astronomy and the calendar." The entire architecture expresses cosmic harmony, with four towers representing the four seasons, 365 windows representing the days of the year, and 24 state rooms representing the hours of the day. The castle is also known for housing Japanese folding screens, allowing visitors to feel the breath of cultural exchange with the East.
A "UNESCO City of Design" where tradition and innovation coexist
While strictly protecting its historical landscape, Graz is a city that has actively embraced contemporary art and innovative design. From the Schloßberg park and the "Murinsel," an artificial island floating on the Mur River, to the "Kunsthaus" contemporary art museum that blends into the old town with its unique form, the city is highly acclaimed worldwide as a "living World Heritage site" where the past and future harmonize in a miraculous balance.
Access from Japan
[Ease of Access Rating: ★★★★☆]
It is easily accessible by a direct train from Vienna, the major city in Austria, making it very suitable for day trips or overnight stays.
Access from Japan to Vienna International Airport in Austria via direct flights or flights connecting through major European cities.
From Vienna Central Station, take the Austrian Federal Railways Railjet express train to arrive at Graz Central Station in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The old town is about a 5 to 10-minute tram ride from the station. You can reach the Schlossberg, where the city's symbol, the Clock Tower, stands, by funicular or elevator, offering a panoramic view of the city. You can also easily travel to Schloss Eggenberg from the old town by a single tram line.
The city of Graz is a place where inherited traditions and innovative designs harmonize gently within a mosaic of architecture woven from multiple eras and diverse cultures.
Thank you for reading until the end today!