Highlights of Austria | Eggenberg Palace
An Antipodean travel company serving World Travellers since 1983
Highlights of Austria | Eggenberg Palace

Eggenberg Palace, also known as Schloss Eggenberg, is an elegant Baroque palace located on the edge of the city of Graz in the Austrian province of Styria. Graz is around two and half hours from Vienna. Sitting above the city at an elevation of 381 metres surrounded by extensive ornate gardens and an expansive park, the palace complex is considered an Austrian cultural treasure. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside the city’s historic centre, in 2010.
The History of Eggenberg Palace
While Eggenberg Palace is considered to be a 17th century Baroque palace, its history dates back further than that. In 1460, Balthasar Eggenberger, a financier to Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III, bought a property on the outskirts of Graz and transformed into a noble estate in the family name, constructing a residence and small Gothic chapel. This chapel would become the nucleus of the the palace we see today built by Eggenberger’s great-grandson, Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg.
Hans Ulrich von Eggenberg was of simple parentage but as a lifelong confidant of Emperor Ferdinand II, he succeeded in becoming one of the most influential Catholic princes in the Holy Roman Empire. Eggenberg was a close friend of Archduke Ferdinand and helped him to become elected Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor of the German Nation in 1619. With Ferdinand II’s ascension, Eggenberg was made President of the Privy Council and Lord Chamberlain. It was said that he effectively acted in the capacity of a prime minister and that Ferdinand II did not make any political decisions without consulting his friend. In 1623, Eggenberg received a promotion to a position of princely rank and in 1625, he was appointed Governor of Inner Austria. In 1628 he was named Duke of Krumau.
Once appointed governor, Eggenberg wanted a residence that suitably reflected his power and rank. For this reason, he decided to convert the medieval family castle into a far more palatial estate. He commissioned court architect Giovanni Pietro de Pomis to help bring his vision of a new residence to life. Eggenberg was inspired by El Escorial in Spain, the historical residence of the King of Spain but astronomy, astrology and alchemy were also major parts of his education that he wanted to be reflected in his home. What is unique and fascinating about Eggenberg Palace is how the Gregorian calendar has been used as architectural inspiration to demonstrate Eggenberg’s belief in the cosmos as a well-organized, hierarchical, logico-mathematically explicable system. The palace has 365 exterior windows to represent each day of the the year. On the second floor there are 24 opulent state rooms, for each hour of the day, and together these rooms have 52 windows, demonstrating the weeks of the year. Every floor in the building has 31 rooms, which is maximum number of days in a month. Pietro de Pomis oversaw the construction until his death in 1631 and the shell of the building was completed around 1635 or 1636. Sadly, Eggenberg died in 1634 of severe gout and never saw the palace completed.
In 1666, Eggenberg’s grandson, Johann Seyfried von Eggenberg,
Related Tours
-
Habsburg Spain vs Tudor England: small group tour exploring the history of 16th century England and Spain
This holiday with a leading tour operator allows the escorted tour for seniors to explore the life and times of the royal families responsible for making England and Spain so significant in the 16th century with local guides providing the travel experience for the detailed itineraries. We spend 10 days travelling from London to Madrid.
21 days -
Tajikistan Tour | Central Asian Small Group Tour
We explore the country’s astonishing scenery and monuments. Tajikistan is the smallest of the 5 ‘Stans and is also the most mountainous. On our small group tour for couples and solo travelers we encounter many ranges and mountain chains where we reach well over 3,000 metres above sea level while crossing passes.
7 days -
North East India small group escorted cultural tour
A unique small group cultural tour visiting the North East region of India, this tour was created for seniors travelling as couples and solo travellers. As we journey through the magnificent landscape and culture we stop to explore Darjeeling, which shares history with Bengal, Sikkim, and Nepal, as well as Tiger Hill, where we witness the changing colours of the sunrise in the Himalayan Range.
15 days -
Balkans escorted small group tour
An 18 day small group tour tour takes you deep into the the Balkan Peninsula. Starting in Dubrovnik, travel through Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia and Albania before returning to Dubrovnik.
19 days -
Scandinavia tours for mature travellers
Uncover on a small group tour for couples and solo travellers, a Viking past and view of the world’s biggest fjords on this journey through Scandinavia. In low-lying Denmark our small group journey takes us to visit the Zeeland, the sea land, and our program includes the vibrant capital of Copenhagen. In Norway we travel through endless forests, skirting great fjords to Bergen.
-
Mongolia Small Group Tour | Discover the history and culture of Mongolia
Mongolia is a relatively unexplored country for travellers but it has many diverse landscapes to explore, and interesting cultures to become acquainted with, all existing in a country with few cities and towns but with extensive rural lands that remain the domain of nomadic herders. Small group tour for couples or solo travelers
20 days -
South American Small Group History and Culture Tour
Experience the jewels of South America on this in-depth itinerary featuring the dramatic contrasts of this great continent on a small group tour for senior couples and solo travellers. Journey through Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. Marvel at the ancient cultures and natural wonders of the Amazon, the snow-capped peaks of the Andes mountains, the calm waters of Lake Titicaca and the jewel coloured beaches of Rio.
-
Romania Small Group Walking Tour for Seniors
This small group escorted tour explores the magnificent landscapes of Carpathian mountains in Romania, and takes in the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Romanian village life. Travel with like minded people, mature couples or solo travellers.
12 days -
Saint James Way Small Group Walking Tour (The Camino)- Spain
Experience pleasant sections of the Way of Saint James, crossing some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes. We follow the pilgrims on easy distances of The Way to the mythical destination, Santiago de Compostella. Not since the middle ages has this adventure for body and mind been more popular. We also get to discover the artistic highlights and rich history of Northern Spain and Portugal, as well as enjoying local wines and exquisite food.
-
Discovering the Life of Beethoven | Small Group Tour
Travellers on this small group tour will have the chance to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Beethoven’s life and music. Beginning in the city of Bonn, where Beethoven was born, we visit the city precincts and buildings where Beethoven’s unique artistic sensibility was formed. In Vienna, we explore many of the concert halls and churches where his work was performed. In each city visited we attend performances of his work.
9 days -
Discover Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is a country of diverse natural beauties and fascinating human history. Oman boasts medieval forts and watchtowers, Bedouin villages, spectacular fjords, bustling markets, date palm plantations, and sand dunes.
13 days -
Opera Tour Europe | Theatre-Opera-Ballet and Classical Music Small Group Tour for Seniors
This 22-day small group program visits the major arts centres of Hamburg, Amsterdam, Paris, and London. We travel in winter avoiding crowds and enjoy a different perspective of the places visited. At Odyssey Traveller we have sought to assemble entry and show tickets to what many will consider the best arts experiences available in those cities during each program.
22 days