Grazer Burg: Large revitalization project starts - history can be experienced!

Grazer Burg: Large revitalization project starts - history can be experienced!

A new chapter for the Graz castle has started: on June 6, 2025, the starting signal for the comprehensive revitalization project of the historical building complex was given. As early as 2021, the Styrian state government decided to fundamentally renovate and adapt the castle, once an emperor's residence and now a tourist highlight as well as the seat of the state government. As reports news.steiermark.at, the first construction site signs and facilities are now visible to the castle, while access to the castle remains possible, with temporary restrictions.

The Graz castle is not only an important building, but also a lively place in history. Special highlights such as the impressive double vollus staircase and the sculpture in the city center as well as the honorary monuments in the 2nd Burghof always remain accessible to the audience. As already announced, four busts of the Gallery of honor are dismantled and temporarily stored.

revitalization plan and modern accents

The redesign comprises a variety of measures to preserve the historical character of the castle and at the same time set modern accents. Under the direction of experts from the fields of archeology, monument protection, historical science, design and architecture, a new place pattern is developed, which creates a visual connection to the historical rooms of the palace, which from 1440 by Friedrich III. was built. A central element will be a newly designed fountain in the castle courtyard, which acts as a symbol for the Graz city crown. This fountain will not only present a modern design language, but also serve as a popular place to linger and refresh on hot days, as arch-design.at describes.

The revitalization of the Burg area aims to open further historical areas for the public. In the next few years there are extensive renovation measures in which fashionable premises such as the Renaissance hall and the castle chapel will play a central role. In addition, the ground floor zone is converted as a new platform for the presentation of state history and contemporary topics. The aim is to emphasize the historical importance of the castle and at the same time create space for art and culture, according to Inside-graz.at.

future prospects

The construction area affects not only the interiors, but also different parts of the 2nd and 3. Burghof. The 1st Burghof will temporarily serve as a storage area. In order to give visitors a pleasant experience despite the construction work, access to the castle garden will only be possible via the goal in the Archduke Johann-Allee (Monday to Friday). Governor Mario Kunasek emphasizes the importance of making history tangible and increasing the attractiveness of the castle after the revitalization. His deputy Manuela Khom underlines the need to preserve this important heritage.

In the coming years, an EU-wide competition process for the implementation of the Graz Master Plan Graz Castle will be launched, with a planned start of construction in 2023 and an expected overall completion in five to six years. It remains exciting how this historical ensemble will develop in the heart of Graz and what new perspectives it will offer for locals and visitors alike.