Information
Landmark: Clock Tower (Uhrturm)City: Graz
Country: Austria
Continent: Europe
Clock Tower (Uhrturm), Graz, Austria, Europe
Overview
Clock Tower (Uhrturm) – the proud symbol of Graz, Austria, stands high on the grassy crest of Schlossberg, its wooden balcony and giant clock faces visible from almost anywhere in the city.This historic tower blends culture, architecture, and meaning, and from its top you can see the city’s rooftops stretch toward rolling green hills.The Uhrturm stands at the heart of Graz’s identity, its old clock face catching the afternoon sun, and it’s a spot every visitor should see.The Uhrturm, or Clock Tower, rises 28 meters above the Schlossberg in Graz, Austria, its weathered stone first laid in the 13th century and reshaped in the late 1500s; once a watchtower, it now stands as a cherished monument within Graz’s Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.In the 13th century, builders raised the Uhrturm on Schlossberg as part of the fortress, its stone walls catching the cold mountain wind.The Uhrturm once stood watch over Graz, scanning the horizon for invaders and sounding the alarm to the city below.Side by side with the fortress, it held the line in times of war-through the Ottoman sieges and later the Napoleonic campaigns.In 1809, after the Treaty of Schönbrunn, Napoleon’s troops tore down most of the Schlossberg’s defenses, but the tower survived when townspeople pooled their money to ransom it, keeping its clock hands turning.Today, it’s a beloved landmark and a favorite stop for visitors, who climb the hill to see its steep roof, hear the chime, and take in the sweep of the city from above.The Uhrturm stands out for its quirky clock: the stubby hour hand is shorter than the long, sweeping minute hand-just the reverse of what you see on most clocks.This design goes back to a time when the clock’s main job was to show the hour clearly enough to read from across the square.Inside, the Uhrturm holds a bell cast in 1382, its deep tone still ringing through the city after more than six centuries.In the past, it signaled moments like curfews or emergencies, while a graceful wooden balcony-added in the 16th century-wraps around the tower and lends the Uhrturm its unique charm, and from its perch on the Schlossberg, you can see Graz spread out below like a map.From its base, you’ll spot the red-tiled rooftops of Graz’s Old Town, the Mur River curling through the streets, and landmarks like the Kunsthaus Graz and the towering cathedral; beyond them rise green hills and open countryside, glowing gold at sunrise and blushing pink at sunset.The Uhrturm, part of the Schlossberg complex, sits alongside sights like the Glockenturm, the Kasemattenbühne open-air stage, and the peaceful Schlossberg Gardens; its quaint clock face and sweeping view of Graz make it a dream for photographers, especially when the evening light turns the rooftops gold, and the surrounding paths invite picnics, slow strolls, or a plate of hearty Styrian food at a nearby restaurant.Take the steep 260 steps of the Schlossbergstiege, and you’ll reach the Uhrturm straightaway, with each stone step echoing under your feet.The stairs are steep, but they reward you with sweeping views-red rooftops, winding alleys-at every pause; or skip the climb and take the Schlossbergbahn funicular from the base to the summit, ride the sleek glass elevator carved into the mountain for a swift trip with a peek at its rocky heart, then wander the Schlossberg’s terraced gardens around the Uhrturm, climb the nearby Glockenturm, cross to the Murinsel’s modern curves, or lose yourself in Graz’s Old Town, where the Hauptplatz and cathedral echo the city’s history and the Uhrturm still stands as its enduring symbol of resilience.The people of Graz have poured their pride and dedication into preserving it, and today it still draws crowds for lively festivals and colorful cultural events.For the best experience, head to Schlossberg at sunrise or sunset, when the light turns the rooftops gold and the crowds are few.Look up local listings for concerts or festivals that bring the hill to life.If the climb feels steep, take the elevator or the funicular instead.The Clock Tower, or Uhrturm, remains Graz’s enduring symbol, marrying centuries of history with sweeping views.With its bold architecture, one-of-a-kind clock face, and sweeping hilltop views, it’s a must-see in Graz, giving visitors a clear taste of the city’s deep history and lasting charm.
