グラーツの絶景の山頂・トップ20

When the Sacred Heart Church in Graz was planned around 1880, the then Prince-Bishop Johann Baptist Zwerger initially envisioned a church modeled after the Votive Church in Vienna, one of the world's most important Neo-Gothic religious buildings. For reasons of cost, a Neo-Gothic brick building was ultimately chosen, and the design was entrusted to Georg von Hauberrisser, a native of Graz. He had already made a name for himself as the architect of Munich's City Hall. In keeping with the Romanticism that influenced all cultural developments at the time, the Sacred Heart Church was built in the Neo-Gothic style. This means that the architecture and formal language of the Middle Ages were consciously revived and further enhanced. This resulted in the delicately designed turrets, the elaborate tracery window above the entrance portal, and the numerous pointed arches. The monumental appearance was created by the construction of two stories: a lower church upon which an upper church was built. The imposing southwest tower, with its spire reaching far into the sky, is, at 109.6 meters, the third tallest church tower in Austria, after those of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Linz. Inside the so-called "Way Church," where everything is oriented towards the baldachin high altar, one is greeted by a light-filled hall framed by artfully designed pillars and an impressive net-vaulted ceiling. The white exterior and the stained-glass windows lend the church an even more welcoming atmosphere. The stained-glass windows are among the few remaining examples of Neo-Gothic glass art in Austria. The iconographic program of the frescoes and the ten side altars is dedicated to the Redeemer and his open heart for humanity. During the winter months, the upper church is closed from the beginning of November until just before Easter, and only the lower church is open.

On the occasion of the patronal feast found here – the popular pilgrimage church in the Graz area is dedicated to "The Nativity of Mary" – I would like to offer those staying here a short reflection by Saint John of Damascus (born 675/676, died before 754): "The day of the birth of the Mother of God is a day of universal joy, for through the Mother of God the entire human race was renewed and the suffering of the first mother, Eve, was transformed into joy."

great castle

Even for the smallest

Built in 1839 as a wooden viewing platform. Stephaninwarte, a former weather station Bought by the Styrian Mountain Association in 1880 and built in its current form. Owned by the Austrian Alpine Association since 2010 and freely accessible (during opening hours).

Very beautifully situated baroque pilgrimage church, whose facade is beautifully illuminated especially in the evening light.

Always good for a rest.

Always good to test your coordination a bit.