Grazer Uhrturm

The 28-meter-high Uhrturm is the undisputed landmark of Graz. Its core dates back to the 13th century, and it took on its current form with the surrounding wooden walkway around 1560. The special feature: Originally, only a large hand indicated the hours, allowing the time to be read from a distance – the smaller minute hands were added later. Therefore, the hands still appear "swapped" to this day. Three bells hang in the tower, including the hour bell from 1382. When the Schlossberg fortress was to be demolished in 1809 on Napoleon's orders, the people of Graz purchased the Uhrturm and the bell tower for 2,987 guilders. Around the tower, the bastion gardens with their roses remind visitors of the former fortress – a perfect stopover with a view over the red tiled roofs of the old town.