Grazer Uhrturm

Close-up of the clocktower © Graz Tourismus / Markus Spenger

Zig-zagging across Austria, we move back eastwards for this week's #Wahrzeichen to Graz, the capital of #Styria. The city's iconic clocktower #GrazerUhrturm sits on the castle hill #Schloßberg overlooking Graz' old town. Formerly the site of a fortress, it is now a public park that offers stunning views of both the city and the surrounding mountains.

Aerial view of the clocktower © Graz Tourismus / Harry Schiffer

Built originally as a defense tower in 1265, it was converted into a clock tower in 1569 and used primarily to watch for fires in the city. The 94 ft. tall tower holds three bells: one from 1382 that rings on the hour, one from 1645 that served as a fire alarm, and one from 1450 that rang originally during executions and later during the nineteenth century to mark the mandatory closing time for taverns (so called Lumpenglocke or scoundrel bell). See the last two images for stamps commemorating this local Austrian Wahrzeichen.

Goldenes Dachl

Martinsturm