Some things I know about Graz

<h1>Some things I know about Graz</h1>

<p align=right>by Tatyana Kogutenko</p>

<div align=justify>Graz – the capital of the federal state of Styria with a population of about 242.000. Graz is a huge city (the second largest city in Austria), but still it is filled with rather a provincial atmosphere. And it is impossible not to fall in love with it. Unlike in many other cities, tourists are greeted here warmly. It can be compared to the house which isn’t being cleaned before arrival of the guests only – on the opposite, its doors are always opened for you.  
   Still, Graz is only a small part of Styria. But those who want to feel the true spirit of the land should start with this city. Graz, together with adjoining villages, is both ancient and modern. Graz is the capital and the best place to make a trip from city to the countryside and back. This place is full of life.
     Graz also has a long history which starts approximately 900 years ago. According to one story, in the middle ages the city was a wonderful residence of the Habsburgs and thanks to this it has one of the best-preserved historic centres in the Middle Europe. Its story is romantic, which is seen from a great number of its hidden courtyards, Renaissance buildings and southern atmosphere full of love. And, finally, it’s the story of contrasts: classics and jazz, tradition and modern, literature, festivals… and, of course, lots of things to see. 
    Schlossberg. A castle hill that rises 473 meters above a unique landscape. In past there was a fortress located here which, however, was ruined. There are many ways you can raise on the mountain, the most convenient of which is a rope-way which is in fact a funicular. 
   Uhrturm clocktower is the symbol of the city and an attraction which every excursion is finished with. Its heart has been beating for Graz from1712 – and still it has its original clockwork and one of the oldest bells in the country. Numerous love stories twine around the tower just like the ivy. By the way, this is also the symbol of the city – many couples kiss here for the first time.
   Landeszeughaus, the armoury next to the Landhaus is a true work of art. Starting from 1551 various types of armory have been kept here, that is why this is one of the largest armouries of the kind. A good proof is that there are more than 30.000 exhibits kept here. 
   Rathaus, or the City Hall is located in the southern side of the main square, liven up by a great amount of market stalls. This is the third city hall – the previous ones were standing on the same place. 
    Landhaus. Graz is the city of Italian Renaissance, a good example of which is the yard surrounded with arcade. The house and the yard are true masterpieces created by Domenico dell'Allio (built in the 16th century). Nowadays the federal state parliament of Styria resides here, and various concerts and performances are organized at the opened stage in front of the Landhaus. 
   Burg (castle complex) is a spectacular building and the residence of the government of Styria. This is the place to rest your eyes upon a famous double winding stairs built in 1499 in a gothic style. This is what you should definitely see. 
   And, finally, Oper Graz, the opera house. Built in 1898-1899 by the project of the most famous theatre architects in Europe - Fellner and Helmer. This is an impressive combination of modern and traditional: the steel sculpture "light sword" by Hartmut Skerbisch is a symbol of openness to the world.</div>

<p align=center>Article source: <a href="http://www.ArticlePros.com/travel_and_leisure/Oriental-Destinations/article-92609.html">ArticlePros.com</a></p>
 
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		<p align=center><b>About the author</b></p>
		<p align=justify>Go to <a href="http://www.hotelsrates.net/travel-destinations/austria/graz/"> Graz hotels reservation</a> to book a room in Graz hotel.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hotelsrates.net/"> hotelsrates.net</a> - online hotel reservation.<br />
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