Schloss Eggenberg

Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg, the first minister of Emperor Ferdinand II, had the castle built starting in 1625 as a symbol of his rise. The construction is an architectural representation of the universe: 365 windows for the days of the year, 31 rooms per floor for the days of the month, 24 state rooms for the hours of the day, and 4 corner towers for the seasons. The highlight is the Planetensaal with its fresco cycle by Hans Adam Weissenkircher. Since 2010, Schloss Eggenberg, along with the Graz old town, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it houses the Alte Galerie, the Münzkabinett, and the Archaeological Museum with the famous cult wagon from Strettweg. In the expansive park, peacocks stroll among ancient trees. The castle can be reached by bike from the center in about 15 minutes via quiet side streets.