Overview:

Graz Cathedral, or St. Ruegisius Cathedral, is the main Roman Catholic church in Graz, Austria. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Graz-Seckau and was built in the early 16th century. The church is dedicated to Saint Ruegisius, the patron saint of Graz. It has a long and complex history, as it was originally built as a church in the late 1400s and then became a cathedral in the late 1500s. The cathedral was heavily damaged during World War II and was extensively restored during the 1950s and 1960s. It is now a popular tourist destination, with its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Inside the church is a large organ and several Baroque art pieces, including a painting of the Annunciation. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Austria
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic Revival Architecture: The Graz Cathedral is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Austria and all of central Europe. The original Gothic cathedral had been destroyed in a fire in 1259, and the new structure was built in the mid 19th century. The building is located at the highest point of the city and is reminiscent of a castle. 2. Spire and Tower: The spire is one of the most prominent features of the Graz Cathedral, rising 94 meters (307 feet) high and topped with four copper onion domes. The south tower is 49 meters (160 feet) high and has three sections. The first section has four arches and dates from the original Gothic structure, whereas the second and third sections were added in the 19th century. 3. Twin Portals: The twin portals, located in the north and south walls of the rectangular nave, serve as the entrance to the Graz Cathedral. They were carved in the Revival Gothic style and are made from white marble. The intricately carved designs include striking figures of Jesus, the apostles and various saints. 4. Baroque Altar: The Baroque altar is the centerpiece of the Graz Cathedral's interior and is situated behind the high altar. It is made from marble and is adorned with gold, precious stones and ornate carvings. 5. Ornate Windows: The elaborate stained glass windows of the Graz Cathedral are made from some of the most beautiful and delicate materials available. The vibrant colors and intricate designs are truly a sight to behold. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Austria.

History:

Graz Cathedral is an Austrian Baroque cathedral located in Graz, the capital of the Austrian state of Styria, and is the main Roman Catholic church of the Archdiocese of Graz-Seckau. Graz Cathedral was originally constructed as a basilica, the interregnum-era Maria-Schutz-Basilica, in 1438, located in the Gries quarter of Graz. The building was replaced by a new Baroque cathedral, designed by Italian architect Giovanni Pietro de Pomis, constructed between 1660-1690, and dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo. The cathedral features domed towers which represent the two principal patron saints of the city, Saint Charles Borromeo and Saint Virgil. The interior features a Baroque fresco by Franz Karl Oesterreicher, and the altar painting, Last Supper, is by the Venetian master Jozef Seitz. In the 19th century, the derelict structures of the old basilica were demolished and the current building was extended in the direction of the Styrian Bell Tower, an adjacent important local landmark. The new structures were designed by Franz Matsch. In 1982, the new parish church of Graz was established in Graz Cathedral, marking a discontinuous but uninterrupted history of Roman Catholic worship there that commenced in 1438. The cathedral is also a place of pilgrimage, being home to several pieces of historic artwork, including the Pieta by Oesterreicher. Today, Graz Cathedral is a vibrant centre of Roman Catholic worship and a tourist attraction in Graz. The centuries-old building has been modified significantly over the years, with the addition of an impressive Baroque façade, new windows and murals, and both exterior and interior decorations. The building is also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Austria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Graz Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, is the main church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Graz-Seckau. 2. The building is the largest Gothic building in Styria, and has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries due to its relics. 3. The cathedral was built between 1438 and 1595, and is the most important example of south German-Austrian Gothic architecture in the province. 4. The cathedral is home to the "Grazer Totentanz" or Dance of Death, a set of 15th-century paintings depicting death as a skeleton snatching a variety of people from all walks of life. 5. The cathedral also contains a relic of the Holy Cross, which it has kept since 1344, as well as several significant artefacts. 6. In 1785, the cathedral was severely damaged by an earthquake and in 1825, its spire was struck by lightning and destroyed, leading to a major rebuilding effort and the construction of the current spire, which stands more than 160 metres tall. 7. The cathedral is a popular destination for tourists and a major part of Graz's identity. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. One of the historical monuments of Austria, it tells the story of a bygone era