Graz, Austria

Graz, Austria. Travel and Tourism. UNESCO experts were so impressed by the interplay of the countless sights and attractions that they declared the Old Town of Graz to be a World Cultural Heritage site, worthy of protection for the ages. Graz is old, to be sure. Fortifications on the city mountain date back to the 11th century. The inner city is full of narrow, romantic streets in which Italian-style palazzi and impressive public halls vie for the attention of passers-by, without making a show of the cool beauty of their courtyards and other well-kept secrets. What makes Graz especially exciting is the combination of these historic treasures with truly stunning modern architecture like the Kunsthaus Graz, which beautifully reflects the Old Town in its façade. Students from the city's four universities enjoy the many street cafes, which lend the city an almost Mediterranean flair. Art galleries, great shopping, innovativeas well as excellent traditional restaurants, and a busy event calendar ensure that the city stays young at heart.