Grazer Schlossberg Castle

The rock was settled in the 8th century BC. Around 1125, a Romanesque castle was built here, giving the city of Graz its name. It was Gothicized and from 1544, under the direction of Domenico dell'Allio, expanded into a Renaissance fortress. This fortress was considered impregnable and resisted Napoleon's troops in the early 19th century. Only after the occupation of Vienna and the threat of its destruction did Graz capitulate in 1809. Almost all fortifications were subsequently razed; only the bell tower and clock tower remained, as the citizens of Graz bought them free. About 30 years later, Ludwig Freiherr von Welden began transforming the area into a garden.