Graz Graz Graz () is the capital of Styria and the second-largest city in Austria after Vienna. On 1 January 2018, it had a population of 325,021 (of which 289,440 had principal residence status). In 2015, the population of the Graz larger urban zone who had principal residence status stood at 633,168. Graz has a long tradition as seat of universities: its six universities have almost 60,000 students. Its historic centre is one of the best-preserved city centres in Central Europe. For centuries, Graz () was more important to Slovenes, both politically and culturally, than the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, and
Schlossberg (Graz) ruined bastions is the "Kasemattenbühne", an open-air stage for concerts and performances. Below the Schlossberg hill is an extensive system of tunnels, which were created during the second world war to protect the civilian population of Graz from aerial bombing. Some of these tunnels are still accessible, including a passage from Schlossbergplatz to Karmeliterplatz, and a grotto railway for children. Also in the tunnel complex is the "Dom im Berg", which was expanded in 2000 to provide a venue space for up to 600 people. The summit of the hill is linked to the city centre by various steep paths