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
-
Madagascar Small Group Tour | The island of Lemurs & Avenue of Baobabs
On this small group tour we explore the country’s natural wonders as well as its colonial past. Madagascar has a range of extraordinary plant and animal life which we will have the chance to view in the island’s National Parks and Nature Reserves. While on the tour we will also learn about both the Portuguese and French periods of control.
16 days -
Loire Valley Walking Tours | Small Group Tours of France
The Loire Valley is the largest of all the UNESCO World Heritage sites. This small group walking tour daily itineraries cross a multitude of historic towns and villages providing authentic experiences for couples and single travellers to enjoy. A small single supplement applies to solo travelers.
18 days -
Provincial France | Small Group Tour for Seniors
This small group program explores the remote mountain plateaux, perched villages and dramatic gorges as well as the Mediterranean coastline.Travel with like-minded people on this tour especially designed for the mature traveller. The villages of Alsace provide an introduction to the diversity which is France. In Burgundy we explore the local villages. Then onto the Jura Mountains, a region rarely visited by tourists. Finally, Provence and the Côte d’Azur, regions of inspiration for artists such as Van Gogh, Cézanne and Picasso.
23 days -
Western Europe Chateaux and Gardens | Small Group Tour for Seniors
This small group escorted educational tour combines visits to France, Belgium, Luxemborg, the Netherlands, and Germany. During the 26 days, we will discover a selection of the finest gardens and chateaux in Europe. Our destinations also include several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for example the royal palaces built by the Prince-Bishop of Cologne in Brühl, Germany.
-
Cultural and History Tour of India | Small Group Tour
Small group tour for mature and senior couples and solo travellers to India. Visiting Delhi and the red fort, Jaipur, Agra and so much more over 22 days explore the world of the Mughal.
22 days -
Scottish Islands and Shetland small group tours for seniors
An escorted small group tour for couples and solo travellers of the Scottish isles including the isle of Skye draws on local guides to share their knowledge of the destinations in this unique part of Scotland. UNESCO world heritage site are visited as breathtaking scenery and authentic experiences are shared in a group of like minded people on this guided tour of remote Scotland.
20 days -
Sri Lanka | Culture and History Small Group Tour
A small group tour of Sri Lanka for mature couples and solo travellers is a great introduction to the trading history of the world and “Spice” The centre of the island offers rolling hills, year round cool climate and former British colonial hill stations complete with Tudor hotels, rose gardens and the oldest golf course in Asia. Scattered around the country are National Parks filled with game. The world’s first game reserves were founded in Sri Lanka over 2,000 years ago.
15 days -
European Ballet escorted small groups tour for senior travellers
For couples and solo travellers who enjoy the ballet and the arts this 16 day program from Amsterdam to Hamburg and finishing in Paris is a dance delight. Programs and actual performances will vary, but the structure and fabric of the experiences to be enjoyed within a small group remains the cornerstone of your experience on this program.
-
Caravaggio’s Journey | Small Group Tour in Italy
On this small group tour of Italy and Malta for mature and senior couples and solo travellers we trace the life of Caravaggio, exploring the artistic works he left behind and the tumultuous life he led. We follow him from his birthplace in Milan to Rome, Malta, Sicily and Naples. In each place he lived Caravaggio left behind a rich legacy of art for us to admire.
-
Short Spain Tour for senior and mature travellers
Join our small group guided tour of Spain, exploring this fascinating country over 10 nights with like minded people. We start in Barcelona and make our way slowly towards Madrid. Enjoy the food and culture while learning about the history of each location from our expert local guides and Odyssey Program Leader.
11 days -
French History by Rail European small group short tour
Odyssey’s small group tour offers travellers the unique opportunity to live for 10 days as a local Parisian in one of central arrondissements of Paris. The tour is based on tour is based on Ina Caro’s book of the same name, we stay in charming apartments as a base, and explore the city and surrounding areas using train and metro.
11 days -
Whisky and Other Scottish Wonders
A guided small group tour of Scotland is a day tour collection that includes Edinburgh, the royal mile, Edinburgh castle, and the old town a UNESCO World heritage site Experience and learn about, Kellie castle, St Andrews, Skye, Balmoral castle, Loch Lomond and Loch Ness as well touring the Scottish highlands to finish in Glasgow.
19 days