On Thursday we drove out to see Austria's second largest city, Graz. There were a couple highlights I wanted us to see, but I wasn't prepared for how lovely a city it is, and how many alleyways and churches there are to explore. We definitely want to go back in the summer. We first stopped at Kalvarienberg, a church and grounds dedicated to Christ's passion, on the outskirts of old Graz.
This place is know to be a kind of Via Dolorosa. On the church balcony, you can see Jesus and Pontius Pilate with his accusers and soldiers.
From the bottom of "Calvary" looking up. There are small shrines along the path housing statues depicting different scenes from Christ's passion.
Behold your King.
The Mur River is behind us.
We then walked the streets of Graz a bit...
...stopped for a nurse in a restaurant alleyway,
...then reached the Schlossburg. The main feature of the castle on this large hill is its Uhrturm = clock tower.
The clock tower is one of Graz's oldest buildings, dating back to 1265.
Remains of Castle Graz.
Our two little tourists bundled up. Oh, how we enjoyed the sun and view!
After we descended, we continued walking around Graz.
Looks like Graz has a "love bridge" just like Paris!
Yes, Christmas decorations are still up! Here we found small Christmas trees strung upside down among the light and snowflake strands.
Operhaus
A mausoleum and the dom (cathedral)
Some martyrs are buried on each side of the main altar.
Veronica and the veil.
Taken down from the cross.
Early that morning, the women went to the tomb, carrying the spices they had prepared...
About to take the elevator up. There is also a cable car that ascends on the other side of the hill...will have to take that next time!
The "painted house", first painted with the Greek gods and goddesses in the 1600's and divine frescoes were added in 1742.
Andrew liked these old-style confessionals - I counted at least ten of them in the church....wow, back when people went to confession very regularly, right?
On the way back to our car, we passed an ice skating rink. Michael enjoyed watching for a few minutes. When his feet are big enough, we can't wait to take him skating! Most of the towns here in Austria set up temporary rinks during the winter months. We stopped at the Basilika Mariatrost on our way out of town, but as the boys were conked out, just Andrew ran in for a look. Graz, you are lovely - glad we don't live too far so another trip can be in order soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment