Renaissance Graz: Landhaus Courtyard and Armoury
Arcades, armor and the age of the Ottoman wars
TopicSteiermarkPhoto: Andrew Bossi, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private tour of Graz focuses on the Renaissance, when Styria was a bulwark against the Ottoman Empire. The highlights are the arcaded courtyard of the Landhaus and the Styrian Armoury, the largest surviving historic armory in the world.
In the 16th century Graz was both a frontier fortress and a residence city. The Styrian estates built the Landhaus as their seat of power, and its arcaded courtyard, designed by Domenico dell'Allio, is considered one of the finest Renaissance courtyards north of the Alps.
Right next door is the Armoury, home to some 32,000 weapons, suits of armor and tools, still stored as if they could be handed out tomorrow. Your guide explains how taxes, faith and fear of war shaped the city, and what Italian master builders left behind along Herrengasse.
This is a private tour: just your own group, your pace and plenty of time for questions. Our licensed guides are happy to adjust the focus to your interests before the day.
Highlights
- The arcaded Landhaus courtyard
- The Armoury with about 32,000 objects
- Italian builders in Graz
- Herrengasse and the Painted House
- Stories from the Ottoman wars
The route
-
1Herrengasse
Grand street of the estates and the Painted House.
-
2Landhaus courtyard
Three stories of arcades and the power of the nobility.
-
3Styrian Armoury
Armor, muskets and pikes in their original setting.
-
4Hauptplatz
Town hall, Archduke Johann fountain and burgher houses.
Who this tour is for
History buffs, families with older children and anyone who wants to go beyond the Graz highlights.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees for the Armoury are not included in the tour price and are paid on site. Your guide will let you know in advance which tickets you will need.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour, so you pay one price per group, not per person. The amount depends on the duration and group size, and you receive a quote with your request.
Is the Armoury open all year?
The Armoury has seasonal opening times and limited access in winter. We check this when you book and adjust the route if needed.
