Palais Saurau
In 1566, close to the medieval city wall that still stood at that time, Pankraz von Windischgrätz built a mighty four-winged palace, known today as the Palais Saurau.
Assault from above? A man with a beard, turban and dagger gazes down threateningly, capturing the attention of passers-by. It’s OK, the well-known Turkish warrior under the roof merely decorates one of the finest buildings in the city (courtyard not accessible.)
On a stroll through Graz it’s always worth taking in Palais Saurau. With its Baroque, richly decorated wrought iron gate, the palace invites you to immerse yourself in the history of the Saurau family.
Good to know
Palais Saurau is located at Sporgasse 25 in Graz’s Old Town. Thanks to its central location, it is an ideal stop during a walk through the UNESCO World Heritage city centre. Nearby attractions such as Graz Cathedral, the Mausoleum and Graz Castle are all within easy walking distance.
The striking Turkish half-figure on the corner of Palais Saurau is one of the most recognisable details of Graz’s Old Town. Several legends surround its origin and have been passed down through the centuries. What is certain is that the figure has shaped the appearance of the palace for hundreds of years and remains one of the most popular photo motifs in Sporgasse.
Palais Saurau is a historic city palace and is generally not open to the public. However, a visit is still worthwhile, as the impressive Renaissance façade, the magnificent entrance portal and the famous Turkish half-figure make it one of the most interesting landmarks in Graz’s Old Town.
A stop at Palais Saurau usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. The building can be admired from the outside and is an ideal stop during a walk through Graz’s Old Town. If you also wish to explore Sporgasse with its historic buildings, hidden courtyards and other attractions, you should allow a little more time.
Yes. The famous Turkish half-figure on the corner of the building attracts many visitors and is one of the best-known photo spots in Sporgasse. Combined with the historic Renaissance architecture and the picturesque Old Town, Palais Saurau offers excellent photo opportunities within the UNESCO World Heritage city of Graz.
Details
In 1566 Pankraz von Windischgrätz erected a large-scale four-wing palais near the then still existing medieval town wall. A narrow alley between the house and the town wall was part of an escape route from the Burg to the fortress on the Schlossberg, which could be used by Archduke Charles II in case of an enemy attack. Since 1630 the building has been owned by the family of Saurau, today Goess-Saurau. In the 18th century the Counts of Saurau were eager to make the palais Baroque. It was especially the state halls which at that time were given their homogenous interior still remarkably complete. Around 1730 the impressive fanlight of the gateway was made. It ranks among the best Baroque wrought-iron works in Styria. On its side towards Schlossberg , the vast inner courtyard is characterized by galleries from the Renaissance period. The paving with small rounded stones from
the river Mur - lovingly called "Murnockerln" (Mur dumplings) by the locals - is typical of Graz.
Those who did/do not find rest in the stately house could/can retire to the summer house on the slope of Schlossberg. The domed Baroque gem is so secret that it can hardly be spied from any place in Graz.
But what about the Turk looking out of Palais Saurau? There are lots of legends. This one, for instance: the Turks had taken Graz, except the fortress on the Schlossberg. When a Turkish pasha was having dinner in today's Palais Saurau, a cannon ball shot from Schlossberg hit his plate with the delicious roast. The latter flew out of the window. What else could he do but gaze after it? In his rage, he ordered the withdrawal of the Turks from Graz. As in fact, however, the Turks have never occupied Graz, the story must have been different. Opinions about the original function of the wooden figure with Turkish features are divided. Maybe the Counts of Saurau just followed a fashion which caught on after the great victory over the Turks in 1683, and decorated their house "alla turca".
By the way: It was a member of the Saurau family (though none from Graz), Franz Josef, who in his position as secretary of state wanted to please Emperor Franz with a birthday surprise in 1797. Composer Joseph Haydn and poet Lorenz Haschka wrote an anthem starting off with the words "Gott erhalte Franz, den Kaiser, unsern guten Kaiser Franz". Till the collapse of the monarchy in 1918, this "Kaiserhymne" was to remain the official anthem of the Hapsburg Empire. The melody is living on in Haydn's "Kaiserquartett" - and in the national anthem of Germany.
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