Courtyards
Low, arcaded alleyways with rays of sunshine flashing at the end. Give a free rein to your curiosity – this way, amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, you can uncover the odd gem.
You just have to allow yourself to be seduced into exploring the pretty courtyards in the vicinity of Sackstrasse-Hauptplatz-Sporgasse. In the shade of the noble Generalihof and the peaceful Herzoghof, enjoy a coffee or a chilled glass of wine with a view of the arcades, marvel at the Landhaushof and dream of festivities, a stolen kiss in the Hof des deutschen Ritterordens courtyard ...
Be sure not to miss the fantastically beautiful courtyards of the magnificent buildings of Graz; they are hidden treasures, truly a dream world, offering a delightful detour from the lively and colourful bustle of the city.
Good to know
The courtyards of Graz are among the hidden treasures of the city’s Old Town. Behind historic façades, visitors discover peaceful spaces with arcades, architectural details and a unique atmosphere. Many of these courtyards are located within the UNESCO World Heritage city centre of Graz and offer fascinating insights into the city’s history and architecture.
Graz is full of hidden courtyards that are often discovered only at second glance. The ten most beautiful courtyards in Graz include:
- Landhaushof, Herrengasse 16
- Hof des deutschen Ritterordens courtyard, Sporgasse 22
- Priests' Seminary, Bürgergasse 2a
- Zanderhof, Sackstraße 26
- Courtyard of Herzl Weinstube, Prokopigasse 12
- Courtyard of the Franciscan Church, Franziskanerplatz 14
- Generalihof, entrance at Herrengasse 9
- Herzoghof, entrance at Herrengasse 7
- Courtyard of the former Dominican Monastery, Dreihackengasse 1–3
- A particularly impressive sight is the magnificent courtyard of Schloss Eggenberg, located at Eggenberger Allee 90. With its historic architecture and remarkable setting, it is one of the most beautiful places in Graz and is definitely worth a visit.
Many courtyards in Graz are open to the public and can be explored independently. These include the Landhaushof, the Hof des deutschen Ritterordens courtyard and the courtyard of the Seminary (Priesterseminar). Visitors should pay attention to signs indicating whether access to a particular courtyard is restricted.
Yes, Graz Tourism offers guided city tours that include visits to selected courtyards. These tours provide insights into the history, architecture and use of these often-hidden places and reveal a side of Graz that many visitors might otherwise miss.
Many of Graz’s courtyards are barely visible from the street and reveal their beauty only once you step inside. Historic arcades, quiet retreats and impressive architecture make them true hidden gems for visitors who want to discover Graz beyond its most famous attractions.
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