Herrengasse

The Herrengasse is the main axis of Graz's old town and connects the Hauptplatz with the Eisernes Tor. It owes its name to the nobles and "lords" who built their city palaces here from the 16th century onwards – in close proximity to the Landhaus, the political center of the region. Alongside the Landhaus with its famous arcade courtyard, the Gemalte Haus, the Stadtpfarrkirche, and numerous magnificent facades line the street. At the southern end, the Mariensäule at the Eisernes Tor commemorates the victory over the Ottomans at St. Gotthard in 1664. Today, the Herrengasse is a pedestrian zone and shopping street, through which only the tram runs. Cycling is restricted here during business hours – those exploring the old town by bike are best advised to walk the few hundred meters or take to the parallel streets.