Hauptplatz, Graz

1 more image

The main marketplace is just in front of the Town Hall, and usually a wide open space dominated by the monument to the "Styrian Prince", Archduke Johann. When I arrived it was still crammed full of Christmas market stalls, and they were squeezing in some New Year's event stage on top of that. The square was therefore a maze, and it was teeming with activity.

It's smack in the centre of the city, so there are trams, buses and shoppers everywhere. It also attracts all the buskers and beggars, some of them surprisingly elaborate. When I was there I witnessed a three-piece brass band, and a troupe of Native Americans (or people of the First Nations or whatever they are called now) performing their ritualistic dances in the Styrian snow.

I suspect the Native American troupe may have been a fraud. For all it might have conjured up images of a far away land across the Atlantic, I think they were Austrians dressed up and acting. The music came from a beat box, and all the dancers were doing was mouthing the words and shaking their tambourines.

The Hauptplatz became the new home of the Rathaus in 1550, when the old Town Hall had become too small. The Hauptplatz is home to many special events throughout the year, and one of the markets is also located there.

4 more images

Located in the centre of Graz Hauptplatz is the fountain/monument dedicated to Archduke Johann (1782 - 1859). The monument was erected in 1878 and also features statues of four women symbolising the rivers Mur, Enns, Drava and Sann which flowed through the old Styrian land.

4 more images

The beautiful main square of Graz is the heart of the Old Town and is overlooked by the Schlossberg. The square began as a trading and commercial centre and the square still maintains a the sense of being the town's most important trade and commercial centre.
The square is dominated by the beautiful Town Hall/Rathaus but the impressive stucco facades of the Luegg houses on the corner of Sporgasse, competes fiercely with the Rathaus for visitors attention. The square also boasts an ornate central fountain and monument dedicated to Archduke Johan. This fountain was added in 1878 and rounds off the beautiful square nicely.

Graz's main square is cobbled and pretty. It is the main hub for trams and for shops. There are lots of cafes there too. In the centre of the square, however, there are a number of hobos sitting around drinking beer.

Graz is the capital city of Styria. The Main Square of Graz is surrounded by nice buildings, including the Town Hall. In the middle of the square stands the statue of Archduke Johann, a Styrian prince who founded the Landesmuseum Joanneum. It is a good place to buy some food, flowers etc. from the many market stalls or just sit around the statue and watch the people.

3 more images

Hauptplatz was my favourite square in Graz. It's the focal point of the old town, and contains many great buildings including the Rathaus on its eastern edge. It's a very busy place by day with numerous market stalls dominating the western end of the square. The food looked great and seemed very good value. We had already had lunch so didn't buy anything more than ice-cream at the market.

The square was revamped in 2002 before Graz's year as European Capital of Culture, and while I've no idea what the square looked like before, it certainly looks good now. The most famous building on the square is the Rathaus (town-hall) while in the centre of the square there's an impressive statue of Archduke Johann. Most of the sights in the old town lie a short distance from Hauptplatz so you'll find yourself crossing the square frequently as you explore. The square looks especially good at night, when it's a lot quieter but much more atmospheric.

This is the photo of the main squere. In the foggy background you can see a tower clock and the castle.
A monument built in honour of archduke Johann is located in this squere.
Decorations on the streets and in the shop-windows reminds us that a Christmas time is coming,

In the middle of the 13th century you could already find many houses around the Main Square.

The first town hall was built about 1550, the second one in 1806, a harmonius building in the neoclassical style. The third and the present one was built in 1888-1893.

Around that square you´ll find fascinating houses. The Luegg is the best and most beautiful one (baroque). More in tips.

The main square of Graz is called exactly that - Main Square or Hauptplatz in German.
It's as representative and lively as the main square should be. If you come from Kunsthaus direction, the square will open before you with the City Hall at the opposite end.
If you walk to the city hall and turn around, you'll have a nice view of the Schlossberg and the Clock Tower.
Although your eyes will be attracted my many interesting facades and roofs, you will want to watch your step - as I've already said, Hauptplatz is very lively with food stalls (not my favorite sight there), locals sitting around the central monument and various performances as part of the culture project.