A few years ago, the city of Graz was named the Culture Capital of Europe or called as the cultural city of Europe. City with beautiful and classic shades of this is the second largest city in Austria and is a Steyrmark provincial capitals. Geographically, direct border with Austria Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary that make this country a cultural mix of western and eastern europe and make them interesting to be visited by foreign tourists.
Graz can be taken from other cities to quickly and easily access via air and ground transportation such as travel time is only three hours from the cities of Vienna, and four hours from the city of Venice (Italy) using train or four-wheeled vehicles. Entering the city of Graz from south west into downtown, to the right and left of the road one can find beautiful scenery with mountains and hills planted with vines, known for its quality up to foreign countries. Stepping on the vineyard with golden yellow leaves and ripe fruit began sipping the fresh mountain air, touch and taste the natural union of the cool and peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and air pollution.
The vineyard is also a place of tourist interest to many tourists in summer. Toward the center of town, one can find the magnificent building and a symbol of Graz city government called the Town Hall which has a large spacious area located directly in front of it. This building was built in the 16th century and later renovated by renowned architect Graz, Wielemans and Reuter in the 19th century population growth in line with the Graz city big enough at that age in line with the role and function of government that the greater the. Town Hall main ornament is then in the 20th century while maintaining the existence of art and culture of Austria. Until now, this building still functioned as the Graz city government offices and also at the same time serve as a registry office where the bridal couple in the city confirmed the marriage bond.
In the midst of a large area in front of Town Hall Hauptplatz called it, seemed a monument of great men who stand firm is a statue of Prince Styrian Archduke Johann who lived during the 17th century. This monument was specifically awarded to him and at the same time serve as a symbol of the beginning of economic development in the city of Graz. Four statues of women that lies at the four corner points of this large monument marks the four rivers which flow through the city of Graz, the Mur, Enns, Drava and Sann who is an authority on the limits of its power era. Over time, this monument is redesigned by an architect famous for Austria, Markus Pernthaler in 2002.
Hauptplatz itself in the past used as a traditional market that sells products such as dairy farmers, meat, fruit, cheese, and oil from pumpkin seeds. Until now, Hauptlatz still used as a night market activities, carnival, arts and entertainment scene is still in demand by residents of this city, especially in the summer. Looks beautiful row of buildings that surround Hauptlatz until now still be used as a shopping and business center, stops for a moment gaze on a small street called long Sporgasse located between the old buildings with high-quality architecture and elegant style walls add to the beauty along the This small road, which is also a connecting road between the river valley Hauptlatz with myrrh. Sporgasse own use of the word comes from the word ’sparen’ which means money saved.
Reasons for use of the name as the name of the street Sporgasse is because in earlier times there are profitable trading activity along this road and still looks the business activities fairly crowded shops, restaurants and cafes. At first glance the building looks old age yet, but the actual age of this building is more than a hundred years. Goldene Pastete is one of the oldest buildings in the city of Graz with architects interesting corner of the building from the heyday era Reinassance and located on the right side of the road Sporgasse.
Recently the building was once the restaurant is typical Austrian cuisine remains preserved by the government Graz while maintaining the authenticity of the red brick walls and ornamental windows color combination of white and green traditional nuance. The music and songs of the street artists at some point this way adds a festive atmosphere and convenient for visitors to spend time eating food and drink in one of restaurant choices liver. Seen a girl who plays the harp with the fingers nimble and very riveting hearts of visitors.
After having a good time along the way Sporgasse, then continued the journey back through the reverse path in front Hauptplaz nut to bridge the river, was an imposing modern building that resembles an alien, space creatures. Eyes flash with a unique design with light spots scattered around him. Building Kunthause called this is the result of a work of art from an architect’s dream Graz Withalm Benedict named Josef who then became reality and realized by a British architecture.
The building is located on the edge of the river Mur is coated with acrylic material 1.066 backgrounds navy. Inside this building there is a museum, where exhibitions, as well as restaurant is often visited by foreign tourists. Sealed beam on and off of the points in this building lighting adds the beauty of the city of Graz atmosphere at night.
