Public Square Looking Toward Schlossberg, Gratz, Austria
One hundred forty miles southwest of Vienna is the city of Graz. It has a population of about 150,000 and is the most important city of the eastern Alps. It is built on both sides of the River Mur, a branch of the Drave. It is noted for its beautiful location, and its healthful climate. For these reasons it is a popular residence with retired Austrian officials. The industries of the city are devoted largely to making machinery, iron and steel ware, chemical goods, pottery, soap, and beer. The chief point of interest for the traveler is the hill which you see in the background. This hill is called the Schlossberg, which means castle mountain. The castle and the fortifications were built in the 15th century by the rulers of the province. Here their armies started out against the Turks. Behind these walls the Austrians fought against the French under one of Napoleon's generals in 1809. By the terms of the treaty of peace in the same year, the fort was blown up. On the Schlossberg stands also an old clock tower. This is an old-fashioned, four-cornered structure, resembling a high, peaked hat. Directly in front of you is the chief public square of the city. You will observe the way in which all the houses are built. Little dormer windows peep out from all sides of the roofs. The houses themselves are constructed of stone or brick. On the opposite side of the street is the flower market. Over each flower booth is spread a large, white umbrella. Gratz is the capital of the province of Styria, a duchy about the size of New Jersey. Its population, however, is only about 1/2 as great. Find Gratz on your map of Austria-Hungary. Keystone ID: 15610 Note: All titles, descriptions, and location coordinates are from the original Keystone Slide documentation as supplied by the Keystone View Company. No text has been edited or changed.