CathedralGraz-Innere Stadt

Graz Cathedral

Graz Cathedral

The church can be visited

Graz Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Giles, is an outstanding example of late Gothic sacred architecture and ranks among the most significant historical buildings in Styria. Originally built as the court church for the Holy Roman Emperors under Frederick III, it was elevated to a bishop's see in 1786 and has since served as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau.

History+

A church dedicated to Saint Giles stood on the site of the current cathedral as early as the 12th century. With the construction of Graz Castle in 1438, Emperor Frederick III also began the new construction of the church, which was likely completed under the direction of master builder Hans Niesenberger. Its completion is dated to 1464, evidenced by engraved year numbers and Frederick's motto AEIOU within the structure. Over the centuries, the cathedral underwent numerous alterations and extensions, particularly during the Jesuit period (1577–1773), when chapels were added and the interior was baroqueized. After the dissolution of the Jesuit order, the cathedral was elevated to a cathedral church in 1786. In the 19th century, various additions, including a connecting passage to Graz Castle, were demolished, giving the cathedral its current freestanding appearance. Extensive redesigns of the interior were last carried out in the 1960s.

Location+

Graz Cathedral is located in Graz-Innere Stadt, in the district of Graz Stadt in Styria, Austria. It stands at an elevation of approximately 374 m above sea level.

On site+

Today, visitors can explore the church and discover its impressive architecture and rich furnishings. The cathedral is an active sacred building, serving as a bishop's church and parish church.

Nearby+
  • Graz Castle (Castle), approx. 0.1 km away
  • Palais Schwarzenberg (Residence), approx. 0.1 km away
  • Palais Lengheimb (Residence), approx. 0.1 km away
  • Stadtpalais Dorotheum (Residence), approx. 0.1 km away

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Graz_-_Dom.jpg

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 47.0720, 15.4423