GRAZ, AUSTRIA

Graz was founded at the spot where the river Mur (see also Murradweg) flows into a wide plain, after flowing down from a hilly, narrow region.

The city's past and present development was significantly influenced by the area's existing geological and geographical features. The River Mur, which flows from north to south cuts the city in half, and hilly regions flank the north, east and west of the city. The Schlossberg mountain in the city centre is only a short distance away from the river.

The streets that surround the city centre stretch out in all directions and are connected by small alleys, between which buildings fill up the web-like structure. Seventeen districts surround the city in a circular form. Their contemporary social fabric reflects not only when they were built, but also the circumstances of their growth, as well as their economic importance.

The architecture of the 'Altstadt', or Old Town, consists largely of huge rows of houses, many of which date back to medieval times. Many of them are grouped around several smaller squares and alleys (Kälbernes Viertel). The ... more

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