Uhrturm (Clock Tower), Graz (must see)

The tower housing the Graz clock dates from the 13th century. It is first mentioned as a fortification in 1265. The clock itself was installed in 1569. A wooden battlement and walk encircle the tower. Fire watchmen used the battlement to keep a watchful eye on the city.

In 1712 a second dial was added on the north side of the tower and new clockwork developed by Michael Sylvester Funck. The hour hand was larger than the minute hand so the hours could be more easily read from far off.

During the War of the Fifth Coalition in 1809, the Tower fell into the hands of Napoleon. The fortifications were to be demolished by the Armistice of Znaim. However, the citizens of Graz were able to pay a ransom for the tower and clock.

The Clock Tower underwent a thorough restoration between 2008 and 2011. The battlements were renewed, and the clock dials and hands repaired. Three bells are kept in the tower. The hourly bell installed in 1382 is the oldest bell in Graz. The fire bell installed in 1645 tolled out the locations of fires. The poor sinners' bell installed in 1450 was rung for executions or curfew.

Below the tower is a stone dog. In 1481 a barking dog saved Kunigunde, daughter of Emperor Friedrich III, from dishonor by mercenaries of Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary. The brave watch dog is memorialized as a stone watch dog.