Grazer Uhrturm
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The Grazer Uhrturm is a prominent 28-meter-high clock tower situated on the southern end of the Schlossberg hill in Graz, Austria. It serves as the city's landmark, renowned for its large clock faces over five meters in diameter and its distinctive clock hands where the larger hand indicates hours and the smaller minutes, a reversal of typical clock design. The tower dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest structures on the Schlossberg. Originally part of the medieval city fortifications, it was rebuilt in its current form in 1569 with the installation of the first clock featuring three large dials. A wooden battlement encircles the tower, historically used by fire watchmen to oversee the city. The Uhrturm survived the demolition of the fortress by Napoleonic forces in 1809, preserved after local citizens paid a ransom. Today, it stands amidst a public park atop the Schlossberg, offering panoramic views of Graz's old town and serving as a cultural icon. Nearby, visitors find cafés and an open-air stage for concerts, enhancing the site's cultural appeal. The tower also houses three historic bells, including the oldest in Graz dating from 1382. Its unique architecture, historical significance, and cultural role make the Grazer Uhrturm a must-visit attraction in Graz.
ヒント: Visitors are advised to explore the Schlossberg hill in the late afternoon to enjoy sunset views over Graz. Purchasing tickets for the Schlossberg funicular in advance can save time, especially during peak tourist seasons. The site offers accessible paths and a funicular railway for easier ascent. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and children. Nearby cafés provide pleasant spots to relax while taking in views of the old town. The tower and surrounding park are open year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant weather for walking and sightseeing.
興味深い事実
- •The clock hands on the Grazer Uhrturm are reversed compared to typical clocks: the larger hand shows hours and the smaller hand shows minutes.
- •The Uhrturm survived the destruction of the Schlossberg fortress in 1809 because the citizens of Graz paid a ransom to preserve it.
- •The tower contains three historic bells, including the oldest bell in Graz dating from 1382.
- •The Schlossberg hill features an extensive tunnel system built during World War II to protect civilians from aerial bombings.
- •The open-air Kasemattenbühne stage near the Uhrturm hosts concerts and events and has a retractable roof for weather protection.
歴史
The core of the Grazer Uhrturm likely dates back to the 13th century and was first mentioned in records around 1265 as part of the city's fortifications.
Its current form was established in 1569 when the first large clock with three dials was installed.
In 1712, an additional dial was added, and a new clock mechanism capable of showing minutes was introduced, with the unusual feature of the larger hand marking hours.
During the Napoleonic wars in 1809, the Uhrturm was spared from demolition after the citizens of Graz paid a ransom, while the rest of the fortress was largely destroyed.
The tower underwent major renovations in the early 21st century to address structural issues caused by moisture, with restoration phases completed by 2011.
場所ガイド
Clock Tower Exterior and Wooden Battlement1569
The Uhrturm's slender quadrangular tower features walls with a pronounced slope and is topped by a wooden battlement that historically served as a lookout for fire watchmen overseeing the city center.
Clock Faces and Mechanism1712
The tower has four large clock faces, each over five meters in diameter, with gilded hands. The clock mechanism, installed in 1712 by Michael Sylvester Funck, was advanced enough to display minutes, with the larger hand indicating hours for visibility from afar.
Historic Bells
Inside the tower are three historic bells: the Stundenglocke (hour bell) from 1382, the Feuerglocke (fire bell) from 1645 used to warn of fires, and the Armesünderglocke (poor sinner's bell) circa 1450, historically rung at executions and curfew.
Schlossberg Park and Surroundings
The Uhrturm sits atop Schlossberg hill, a 473-meter elevation offering panoramic views of Graz. The hill features paths, funicular railway access, cafés, and the Kasemattenbühne open-air stage, making it a vibrant cultural destination.
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