(photo: T.G.)

The Grazer Burg (Graz Residence Castle) was founded in 1438 by Duke Friedrich V of Austria (1440 German King, 1452 Emperor Friedrich III). From 1564 until 1619 it was the residence of the Dukes of Inner Austria (the Styrian line of the Habsburg dynasty) who ruled Styria, Carinthia, Carniola and the Austrian Littoral. When Ferdinand III of Inner Austria became Emperor (Ferdinand II) in 1619 he moved the court to Vienna. Large parts of the once extensive residence were demolished in the 19th century and further damages occured during World War II. Today, the complex is the seat of the Styrian Government.