Schloss Eggenberg — Attraction in Graz

Far exceeded expectations. The grounds were lovely. We didn't see much that promoted the archeology museum on-site. It was small, but loaded with a good variety of antiquaties that were mostly in excellent condition. There are a few finds in here that are brilliant. They have two fun, interactive learning/play areas. The one I liked best was a "catan" type resource game using styrias resources in the game. It was played on the floor with oversized Catan type tiles, real wood, real chinks of salt, etc. Very clever. The coin room is not to be missed and once again was small but mighty. Excellent presentation of the coins and histories with very clean, organized display cases and lighting. They provide excellent, large, lighted high power magnifiers with good optics for all of the coins. Very much enjoyed being able to see the lovely and unique artwork and details on the old coins. The Alte Gallery was a magnificent treat with a massive collection of excellent art from the Middle Ages. I was genuinely surprised at the quality, variety and condition of the artwork in this gallery. I could have spent the entire day just in this many-roomed gallery and been delighted. The lighting, the clarity of display cases and glass (which were only used on a very few pieces such as the Bruegels (!!!)) were impeccably clean and well presented so as to best show off each piece. There were excellent texts for each piece of art capturing a facet of life, love, faith, war, agriculture etc during the time frame being presented. All of the texts were interesting and engaging (and in German and English) And now I talk about how the guided tour of the 2nd floor of Schloss Eggenberg left me happy but wanting so much more. Our guide was terrific (English speaking tour) in her passion, knowledge of the Schloss and the Eggenberg family, and her clear and articulate presentation. The best of all the guided tours we have done in our month in Austria and Bavaria! The tour is a full hour and moves at a nice pace. I could have spent several days exploring the second floor and not grown bored, but you can only enter with a guide. The house is amazingly preserved for a house of its age. Especially one that survived wars and one that sat empty and untended for so long. The tour is done with no electric lighting. If you go on a cloudy day it will not be quite so wonderful I would imagine. We went on a warm bright sunny day and could see the details in all of the art, furniture and architectural details. The guide uses a bright flashlight in rooms that have no windows open to preserve furnishings. This is one the best preserved European castles/funeral houses we have been in with regards to original finishes and artwork. The Schloss is in the middle of an expensive, expansive refurbishing project that will last for years. The entire front was scaffolding and that didn't affect our enjoyment of the day at all.

My big disappointment is in the tour books and guides that said 2-4 hours is plenty of time for Schloss Eggenberg.

We would have spent 2 full days here if we had known the fullness of her offerings. Instead we only had 7 hours on our last day on Graz and felt like we missed too much.

Bring a picnic, walk around the grounds, go to all of her museums, rooms, the chapel and church, gallery etc.

Money...

The Ambition and Illusion exhibit was extremely informative! I learnt so much about the Eggenberg family’s rise and fall!

It starts by showing off the wealth and importance of the Eggenberg family, showing the Golden Coach which was the highlight of Johan Anton Von Eggenberg entrance into Rome.

The exhibit goes on to explain how the Eggenberg family rose and fell in 5 generations. Starting from Hans Ulrich who was the advisor of the Holy Roman Empire, to the last heir. I really loved how well planned the story telling was! It was really engaging. You get to learn about how Han Ulrich slowly rose to power, how he loved his wife and died of an illness. Followed by the short life of Johann Anton and subsequently the lives of his two sons and his daughter.

I was really moved by Anna Maria’s (Johann Anton’s wife) life. She was of protestant faith but she married Johann Anton who hoped that the marriage would prove strategic and useful given the unrest between the Catholics and Protestants. When Johann Anton died young, she was left to teach her sons a faith she wasnt familiar with. She also lived like an outsider because of her faith.

It was also interesting to see the different personalities of each generation. Overall super educational! And as you can see, the information is easy to retain because of good storytelling.

There are also rooms with lots of amazing paintings on walls and the ceiling, and explanations on the allegories. So much to take in! The only downside is that the exhibit banners cover a lot of the palace walls, so there are only selected rooms where you get to see the palace...

My recent visit to this captivating palace was truly enchanting. From the moment I stepped into the grounds, I was greeted by an expansive, exquisitely maintained garden surrounded by majestic trees, creating a serene and picturesque setting that set the tone for the entire experience.

Exploring the historical museum within the palace was a journey through time, as I encountered a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts, including Roman utensils, rocks, and even mummies. The museum's displays provided a fascinating insight into history, offering a captivating glimpse into ancient civilizations.

The option of guided tours in both German and English was a thoughtful inclusion, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history of the palace and its precious exhibits. The guided tour enhanced my understanding of the palace's heritage, making the visit even more fulfilling.

Yet, the true highlight of the visit was the presence of the charming and engaging dancing peacocks that gracefully roamed the palace grounds. Their delightful displays, complete with their vibrant and captivating feathers, added an extra layer of magic to the entire visit, creating an unforgettable and unique experience.

Overall, this palace seamlessly combines natural beauty, rich history, and captivating attractions, making it a standout destination for anyone seeking a truly enchanting experience. I left with a deep appreciation for the history and beauty that this palace...