Grazer Burg mit Doppelwendeltreppe

The Graz Castle was built starting in 1438 under Emperor Friedrich III. and served as a residence for the Habsburgs – under Archduke Karl II., Graz was even the capital of Inner Austria from 1564 to 1619. The most famous detail of the complex is the double spiral staircase built in 1499 under Maximilian I.: Two opposing stair spindles separate and come together again on each floor, which is why it is also called the "reconciling staircase" or "kissing staircase." It is considered one of the most significant masterpieces of late Gothic stone masonry in Europe and is freely accessible. Only parts of the original castle have been preserved – today it is the seat of the Styrian provincial government. In the castle courtyard, monuments commemorate significant figures from Styria, and through the castle gate, one directly enters the adjacent castle garden and city park.