Sporgasse

The Sporgasse follows the course of an ancient trade route that passed by the Schlossberg during Roman times and is considered one of the oldest alleys in Graz. Its name derives from the Sporern – craftsmen who produced spurs and weapons here in the Middle Ages. Today, the narrow, ascending alley, filled with shops and cafés, winds from the Hauptplatz up towards Karmeliterplatz. Noteworthy are the Palais Saurau, from whose roof window the famous figure of the "Türken" looks out, the Stiegenkirche, which stands on foundations from the 12th century, and the access to the Schlossbergstiege. The upper Sporgasse once housed the German Order of Knights in the Deutschritterordenshaus. The alley is one of the most popular photo motifs in the city – especially in the evening, when the Uhrturm shines over the rooftops.