Uhrturm

The Graz Clock Tower is the landmark of Styria's provincial capital, perched at an elevation of 424 meters on the southwestern slope of the Schlossberg. As part of the medieval city wall and castle complex, it marks the point where the sovereign's castle meets the old town. The slender tower, square in plan, stands 28 meters tall and has four large clock faces with gilded hands. Originally built as a city or magistrate's tower, its core probably dates from the 13th century. It took on its present form after a reconstruction that was completed in 1569 with the installation of the first clock. A wooden battlement walk runs around the tower above the clock faces; fire watchmen once used it to keep an eye on the city center.

You can explore the tower as one of the city's architectural highlights. Striking is the pronounced slant of the walls, which results from the side length shrinking from about eight meters on the ground floor to the top story. Inside hang three historic bells: the hour bell from 1382, the fire bell from 1645, and the Armesünderglocke (poor sinners' bell) from the middle of the 15th century. Each had its own specific function, from striking the hours to warning of fires or announcing executions. A notable piece of local lore links the tower to the stone dog that stands on a ledge of the wall below. According to legend, a barking dog saved the daughter of Emperor Frederick III from abduction in 1481, whereupon the emperor had him immortalized in the form of a statue.