Tower of Time and History
The Graz Clocktower is arguably the most iconic landmark of the city – charming,
steeped in history, and absolutely unmistakable. Perched high on the Schlossberg hill,
it offers not only a stunning panoramic view over Graz but also fascinating insights
into the city's past.
First mentioned in the 13th century, the tower received its current form in 1560.
One of its most striking features: the clock with its oversized faces and
reversed hands – here, the large hand shows the hours, and the small hand
shows the minutes.
A remarkable chapter in its history: When the fortress on Schlossberg was ordered
to be destroyed by Napoleon in 1809, the citizens of Graz stepped in to save the
Clocktower – and succeeded by buying it through a public fundraising campaign.
Since then, it has stood as a symbol of Graz’s pride and strong local identity.
Whether by day or night, a visit to the Clocktower is a must for anyone exploring
Graz – offering unforgettable views, scenic walks, and a living piece of history.
Inspired by real architecture, this stylized model recreates Graz’s iconic Clocktower on the Schlossberg. In designing it, our goal was not only to capture the tower’s distinctive shapes on a smaller scale, but also to reflect something of the unique character of its surroundings – the square, the view, and the feeling people associate with this place. Because it’s that atmosphere that makes the tower more than just a building.
The city's stone heart.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, affectionately known as the “Steffl”, is Vienna’s most iconic
landmark – majestic, awe-inspiring, and steeped in history. Located in the heart of
the historic city center, it has shaped Vienna’s skyline for centuries and remains a
central place for culture, faith, and gathering.
A church was first built on this site in the 12th century. The present-day Gothic
cathedral took shape mainly during the 14th and 15th centuries. Particularly
impressive: the 136-meter-high south tower, the intricately patterned roof with
over 230,000 tiles, and the "Pummerin" – one of the largest bells in Europe.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral has witnessed many historic moments – from the Ottoman
sieges to Mozart’s wedding. Heavily damaged during World War II, it was lovingly
rebuilt and now stands as a symbol of resilience and unity for the people of Vienna.
Whether exploring the magnificent interior, climbing the tower, or hearing the
"Pummerin" ring on New Year’s Eve – a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral is an
essential part of any Vienna experience and leaves a lasting impression.
Guardian on the hill
Hohensalzburg Fortress towers high above Salzburg’s historic old town – mighty, full of history,
and offering breathtaking views. As one of the largest fully preserved medieval fortresses
in Europe, it captivates visitors from around the world every year.
Construction began in 1077 under Archbishop Gebhard of Helfenstein. Over the centuries, the
fortress was continuously expanded – primarily for defense and as a symbol of power for the
prince-archbishops of Salzburg. Today, it impresses with its thick walls, towers, ramparts,
and magnificent princely chambers.
Throughout its history, the fortress remained largely unconquered – a testament to its strategic
strength. Even during times of war, it withstood peasant uprisings and attacks by Napoleonic
troops. Since the 19th century, it has been open to the public and has been carefully restored.
Whether on foot or via the funicular railway – the journey up is well worth it. At the top,
visitors are rewarded with fascinating exhibitions, medieval charm, and an unforgettable
view over Salzburg and the surrounding Alps.
