City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of City of Graz – Historic Centre and Schloss Eggenberg from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• The Development of Urban Rural Relationship at the Example of the City of Graz Austria

  A dynamic urban-rural relationship has emerged around Graz, Austria, characterized by growing cooperation and competition between the city and its surrounding municipalities. This study quantifies changes over time using data from 1978, building on Wilhelm Leitner's 'Interaktionsraum Graz' framework. It reveals a strong development of an 'urban region,' where functional linkages based on mobility, infrastructure, and economic exchange have intensified. The findings highlight the potential for sustainable regional development through collaboration while also noting increased competition, particularly in southern Graz. This research underscores the importance of recognizing interdependence between urban and rural areas to achieve balanced growth and preserve natural resources.

  Fischer, W., Flor, M., & Außerlechner, C. (2026). THE DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN RURAL RELATIONSHIP AT THE EXAMPLE OF THE CITY OF GRAZ AUSTRIA. Proceedings 2026, 137–155. https://doi.org/10.18509/gbp26137f

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• From geology to site decision: Potential for underground heat storage in Graz

  A promising solution for long-term thermal energy storage, cavern thermal energy storage (CTES), has been identified as feasible for Graz, Austria. This study highlights the potential of CTES systems to store excess heat from industrial processes, thereby contributing to CO2 emission reduction. Geological analyses pinpointed solid rock formations, particularly carbonates and crystalline rocks in the western and north-western areas of Graz, as suitable storage sites. Among these, the Karolinensteinbruch site was recommended due to its favorable geological conditions despite challenges such as distance to district heating networks and risks associated with karst phenomena. The conceptual designs proposed modular and expandable geometries to adapt to Graz's fluctuating urban energy demand. While the study confirms CTES as a viable option for Graz, it emphasizes the need for further detailed investigations into geotechnical and geological properties to ensure successful implementation.

  Kaml, G., Schreilechner, M. G., & Marcher, T. (2025). From geology to site decision: Potential for underground heat storage in Graz. Geomechanics and Tunnelling, 18(1), 57–63. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/geot.202400080

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• An Example of the Transition to Sustainable Mobility in the Austrian City of Graz

  Graz, Austria, stands out as a replicable model for sustainable mobility within the EU, demonstrating significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through its 'eco-transformation' strategy. The city's focus on 'soft mobility'—walking, cycling, and public transit—has proven effective, with quantitative analysis showing that environmental and temporal variables influence cycling behavior. This study highlights Graz as a leading example of how urban areas can transition to sustainable transportation, aligning with broader EU climate goals and offering insights for other cities aiming to mitigate the ecological impacts of fossil-fueled mobility.

  Šobot, A., & Gričar, S. (2025). An Example of the Transition to Sustainable Mobility in the Austrian City of Graz. Sustainability, 17(10), 4324. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104324

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• Installation of hot boxes for conservation in the last nursery roost of Greater Horseshoe Bats Rhinolophus ferrumequinum in Austria

  A novel conservation strategy involving the installation of hot boxes has been successfully implemented to support the critically endangered Greater Horseshoe Bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) population in Austria. This intervention, the first of its kind in the country, aims to stabilize and potentially enhance thermal conditions within the attic of Schloss Eggenberg in Graz, serving as the species' last known maternity roost. The hot boxes provide a range of microclimates critical for gestation and juvenile development, addressing the urgent need for habitat improvement amid severe population declines across Central Europe. This approach offers a practical solution to mitigate threats faced by isolated bat populations on the brink of extinction.

  Zangl, L., Gutstein, A., Paill, W., Weiss, E., & Sackl, P. (2023). Installation of hot boxes for conservation in the last nursery roost of Greater Horseshoe Bats Rhinolophus ferrumequinum in Austria. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 15(1), 22548–22550. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.8140.15.1.22548-22550

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• Analytical assessment of street-level tree canopy in Austrian cities: Identification of re-naturalisation potentials of the urban fabric

  Austrian cities, including Graz, face significant gaps in street-level tree canopy coverage, with 54% of areas potentially disconnected from urban greenery. This study reveals that central districts are densely built and lack street trees, while peripheral areas offer more opportunities for re-naturalisation through open-building arrangements. The research used spatial data analytics on georeferenced tree cadastre data and Local Climate Zones (LCZ) maps to identify these gaps in Vienna, Graz, and Linz. It suggests that building-level greening, such as green roofs or facades, could be more effective in central areas, though historic buildings may pose challenges. The study proposes innovative solutions like movable vertical green screens to address these constraints.

  Vuckovic, M., Schmidt, J., & Cornel, D. (2023). Analytical assessment of street-level tree canopy in Austrian cities: Identification of re-naturalisation potentials of the urban fabric. Nature-Based Solutions, 3, 100062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbsj.2023.100062

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• Conflictual cultural politics: unpacking local tensions in three Austrian cities

  This study reveals that cultural politics in Austria's urban centers are rife with conflict, shaped by power dynamics, agency, and spatial disputes. Focusing on Vienna, Graz, and Linz, it identifies four key conflict types: agential (unequal funding/decision-making), symbolic (instrumentalization of culture), procedural (lack of transparency/collaboration), and spatial (disagreements over public space use). The research, conducted through 30 qualitative interviews, situational mapping, and media analysis between 2020–2022, argues for a conflict-oriented approach to cultural policy. It highlights how COVID-19 both challenged and opened new avenues for public cultural events, underscoring the need to address these tensions in urban planning and governance.

  Landau-Donnelly, F., Schad-Spindler, A., Fridrik, S., & Marchart, O. (2023). Conflictual cultural politics: unpacking local tensions in three Austrian cities. International Journal of Cultural Policy, 30(3), 341–356. https://doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2023.2203723

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• The importance of urban green spaces in the development of smart cities

  Urban green spaces (UGSs) play a pivotal role in enhancing residents' lifestyles, health, and economic opportunities within smart cities. A study conducted in Graz, Austria, revealed that increasing UGSs leads to measurable improvements in air quality, even in space-constrained environments, aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The research, involving semi-structured interviews with residents, officials, and government experts, used MAXQDA software for analysis. Findings underscored the urgent need for larger UGSs to bolster security, economic prospects, and overall well-being. This study provides actionable recommendations for future UGS planning in smart cities, emphasizing their potential as a valid alternative to mitigate urban pollution.

  Addas, A. (2023). The importance of urban green spaces in the development of smart cities. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1206372

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