The history of the town hall is a good example of the growing importance of Austria's second largest city. Around 1550, the town administration moved into a rather modest Renaissance building on what is now the main square, which also served as a prison. In 1803, it was replaced by a larger new building in the Baroque-Classical style. The huge increase in population in the 19th century and the growing self-confidence of the citizens led to the construction of today's town hall according to plans by the Viennese architects Wielemans and Reuter. It was completed in 1893. All the houses in the block were to make way for the building in the late historicist, old German style. This did not quite work out. There are still three narrow town houses on Herrengasse, literally clamped into the mighty town hall building. Their owners had refused to "sacrifice" the houses to the new town hall. For many, this is a symbol of the stubbornness that Styrians are said to have... The main façade of the town hall was greatly simplified in the 20th century. But the figures that were removed from niches and above the portal are now returning renewed: allegories of crafts, art, science and trade and important players in Austrian history. Inside, the quality of the meeting room, which extends over two floors, may make the work of the local council more pleasant. A wooden coffered ceiling, a gallery, wall paneling, even chandeliers and wall clocks have been preserved from the solid original furnishings of the late 19th century. +++ By the way +++ In 1886, Georg Hauberrisser the Younger, a native of Graz, also took part in the architectural competition for a new town hall. His project was not realized in his home town. But another town hall building was to bring him fame - that of Munich.
Probably the most impressive building on the main square is the Graz Town Hall, which was first built in its current location in 1550 in the Renaissance style.
The Graz town hall houses the official seat of the Graz mayor, the municipal council and parts of the city administration. Today's image of the late historical old German town hall largely corresponds to that of the last expansion stage; the south wing of the building is dated 1889, the main wing 1893.
Translated by Google •
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