Graz Old Town

Graz is the capital of the Austrian state of Styria and the second-largest city in Austria, after Vienna. On 1 January 2026, Graz had a population of 307,912, or 345,391 including residents with a secondary residence. In 2023, the population of the Graz functional urban area was 660,238. The city is an important centre of higher education, with four universities and four other higher education institutions; together, they had more than 63,000 students as of 10 June 2023. Its historic centre (Altstadt) is considered one of the best-preserved urban centres in Central Europe. The earliest documented mention of Graz dates from the 12th century, when it developed as a fortified settlement under the rule of the Babenbergs. During the Late Middle Ages, the city became an important commercial and administrative centre. From the 14th century onward, it served as the residence of the Inner Austrian branch of the Habsburg dynasty, a role that contributed to its political, cultural and architectural development.