Dom (Graz Cathedral), Graz

Graz Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Giles, aka Saint Aegydius. The first church of Saint Giles had occupied the site since 1174. The Cathedral was designed in a late Gothic style and built in the 15th century under the auspices of Friedrich III. It was built outside the city walls as a fortified church.

Construction of the Cathedral probably began in 1438. In the sacristy and the choir are dated plaques with the Latin letters AEIOU, there are various interpretations. Some say it means "Austria is destined to rule the world" (Austriae est imperare orbi universo). Friedrich really liked this one. It can be found everywhere.

The exterior has a walled choir with buttresses. The frescoes on the facades have been whitewashed, except for the plagues of God, by Thomas von Villach. Chapels on the outer walls, two ridge turrets, one large roof turret, sheet metal doors, walled-up tombstones and a sculpture of Saint Aegydius complete the picture.

The Graz Cathedral is a "hall church" inside, with added side chapels and a baroque organ gallery. The nave is really three naves separated by formidable-looking pillars. The baroque high altar replaced the Renaissance high altar in 1733. The longish choir is behind a tall triumphal arch. Two reliquaries on marble plinths flank the triumphal arch.