A Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003, the city of Graz is a fine destination to explore in Styria, Austria. While not one of the hosts of UEFA Euro 2006, which took place throughout both Switzerland and Austria, the city definitely rode the tourism coattails of the likes of Vienna, Innsbruck and Klagenfurt.

Not that Graz needs the help of course. Second only to Vienna in Austria with a population of well over 250,000 people, the city is a marvelous alternative to the opulent and vibrant national capital. As the capital of the federal state of Styria, Graz offers spectacular scenery, easy access to tidy and attractive hamlets and day trips to Maribor, Slovenia, among other places. Oh and these ten must-see attractions of course.

10. Grazer Oper

The second largest opera house in Austria, next to Vienna State Opera of course, is a revelation. The Neo-Baroque construction was built in 1899 and won “Opera House of the Year” in 2001. Since the debut performance of Wilhem Tell, the opera house has been a supreme draw in Graz.

9. Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II

The attractive complex that contains the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II and Saint Catherine’s Church is one of the most conspicuous in all of Graz. The 17th century structure bears a distinct Italian High Renaissance style, a reflection of the court’s love of Mannerism.

8.Kunsthaus

Built to commemorate the city’s Capital of Culture status, the Graz Kunsthaus is by far the most unusual landmark in the city. Known as the “Friendly Alien” by locals, the offbeat architecture somehow balances old and new quite well. All in all, the facility is one of the premier contemporary art museums in Europe.

7. Eggenberg Palace and Gardens

Schloss Eggenberg, or Eggenberg Palace, is a brilliant early 17th century castle outside of Old Graz. The story of Eggenberg’s construction and evolution is told in brilliant fashion inside the palace walls. The immense complex is now a vital cultural center in Graz, with museums and gardens for the public to explore.

6. Herz-Jesu-Kirche

The most prominent church in Graz in terms of sheer size, Herz-Jesu-Kirche is full of fine details. The late 19th century church features a tower that soars some 110 m high above the city.

5. Rathaus

Graz Hauptplatz is a beautiful example of a pristine, intact medieval square, which indeed, is one of several reasons the old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 19th century Rathaus, or Town Hall, is glorious and frames the pedestrian plaza with other pertinent monuments.

4. Markets

Graz is a veritable market town of sorts and with so much agriculture output in the city’s lush environs, it makes perfect sense to hit up some of the open air stalls. Whether to browse or assemble a picnic lunch, the farmers’ market at Kaiser-Josef-Platz is the best in the city.

3. University of Graz

The University of Graz, otherwise known as Karl-Franzens-University, is a rare gem. Second in age and size to Vienna again, of course, the dean of Graz academia is nonetheless a worthwhile landmark to peruse. With splendid botanical gardens, a lovely campus and exceptional architecture to enjoy, the university that graduated no less than nine future Nobel laureates is first class.

2. Countryside

While Graz is a terrific city in which to lay low and comb over the course of a few days, trips outside the old town prove more than worth the effort. From photogenic mountain and valley scenery to wine tours and biodiverse national parks, Styria has it all.

1. Schlossberg

One of the national symbols and indeed, treasures of Austria, Schlossberg is the perennial must-see attraction of Graz. A marvelous castle hill complex in the middle of the city, the landmark features many inherent points of interest, the most famous of which is the Clock Tower.

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