Visit the jewel in the “Crown of the Town” to find a stunning example of Mannerist architecture and a richly decorated interior at this historic emperor’s mausoleum.
The Mausoleum of Ferdinand II stands high and grand over the skyline of Graz’s historic Old Town. Within the historic group of buildings known as the “Stadtkrone” (Crown of the Town), the Mannerist-Baroque mausoleum brings some of the flair of Florence to Austria. Visit the 17th-century mausoleum to admire its ornate architecture, magnificent stuccowork and royal sarcophagus.
The tall, turquoise mausoleum towers can be seen from all over Graz’s historic center. Walk towards the mausoleum via its front steps and appreciate the lavish Baroque details on its cream-colored front façade. Take in the stunning view of Italian architect Giovanni Pietro de Pomis’ 1614 design, complete with three sculpted figures looking out from atop the façade. The building is regarded as Austria’s most significant example of Mannerist architecture, the style that connected Renaissance architecture to Baroque.
Enter the mausoleum to find stunning frescos and stuccowork by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. Notice the strong Italian influence of the mausoleum as you explore its interior. The specific floor plan of this mausoleum was the first of its type to appear outside of Italy. The mausoleum’s crypt holds the remains of Emperor Ferdinand II, his wife and son. See the altars and visit the ornate red-marble sarcophagus where Ferdinand’s mother, Maria of Bavaria, lies.
Wander through to the west gallery to see parapets decorated with cherubs and inscriptions bearing the names of Ferdinand’s family. Gaze over the nave to see busts of the different rulers of the house of Habsburg.
The Mausoleum of Ferdinand II is located next to St. Catherine’s Church in Graz’s historic center. These two buildings, along with Graz Cathedral, the castle and the Old University, make up the historic Stadtkrone. The mausoleum is open daily but closes for an hour at lunchtime. Admission is inexpensive and informative brochures are available for a small fee. The Platz der Menschenrechte park is located nearby. The area is easily reachable by tram and on foot.
