Graz History, Austria

The city of Graz is said to be very rich in terms of history due to the evidences which reveals that it dates back to copper age. Oldest settlement is said to be inhabited in this area during the copper age but the disappointing fact is that no evidence is present which will describe what happened in this city before and during the Middle Age.

Gradec, in Slovene, means ‘small castle’ which can also be considered as small town. It was the year 1128 when Graz (a German word) was used to name this city and during these days rulers of Babenberg used the city as their commercial hub. It was this name of the city and many other archeological proofs which say that a small castle was present in this city and at one time it was very important fortification for South Slavic locals. After the Babenberg rule Graz went under the control of Habsburgs and by the year 1281 it was given some special privileges from the famous King of those days namely Rudolph I.

It was during the 14th century when Graz was used by the Habsburg rulers for the settlement of their Inner Australian line (which was a term used between the 14th and the 16th centuries so as to refer to Carniola, Windic march, Carinthia, and Styria which were various possessions of Habsburg rulers). The kings used to live in the famous Schloßberg Castle. It was this place from where they used to control places like Carinthia, Styria, and various neighboring countries like Slovenia and Italy.

During the 16th century the planning and design of this city was handed over to various expert architects of the Italian Renaissance times. The most famous monument built by these architects was Landhaus which was designed by Domenico dell’Allio. During those days it was used by various rulers for various governmental purposes.

In the year 1938 Austria was annexed by Nazi rulers of Germany and Adolf Hitler was welcomed with open hearts when he visited this city. Nazis were the ones who destroyed any remains of Jewish community which was living in this city during those years. The presence of Germany troops was the reason why Graz had to face many wars in coming years but soon peace returned to the city and today it is flourishing as the hub for the students who love to take higher education.

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• Landeszeughaus Graz
  travel tip by Wazling posted more then 30 days ago
  If you are in Graz you should visit the old armory of the town from the 16./17. century. It´s the oldest completely preserved armory, attracting still a lof of people. It´s really interesting, because you can watch all the old...

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