Updated in September 2026, this Graz Cathedral guide covers admission, opening hours, parking, accessibility and what to see.
Graz Cathedral (Grazer Dom) is a Gothic cathedral in the historic centre of Graz, Austria, and the seat of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau. Admission is completely free, and the building’s interior renovation, carried out between 2017 and 2023, has left the cathedral looking its best in years.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri 8:00am–7:45pm; Tue 11:00am–7:45pm; Sat 8:00am–7:00pm; Sun 8:00am–6:00pm |
| Ticket prices | Free entry; Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II also free (April–October) |
| Address | Burggasse 3, 8010 Graz, Austria |
| Nearest transport/parking | Historic city centre, opposite Graz Burg; several public car parks and trams nearby |
| Typical time needed | 30 to 45 minutes |
Graz Cathedral opening hours
The cathedral is open to visitors Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am to 7:45pm.
- Tuesday hours start later, from 11am to 7:45pm.
- Saturday hours run 8am to 7pm, and Sunday hours run 8am to 6pm.
- Visits are not permitted during church services, so time your visit around the posted Mass schedule if you want to see the interior freely.
The cathedral’s hours stay consistent throughout the year, without a separate summer or winter schedule to plan around.
Graz Cathedral ticket prices
Admission to Graz Cathedral is free.
The neighbouring Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II is also free to enter, open April through October, Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm; it is closed from November through March, though winter guided tours can be arranged through the Diocesan Museum. The Mausoleum’s crypt holds the remains of several bishops alongside those of the emperor.
Opening hours and admission details were checked on the official website and last updated in September 2026. You can check current details on the official Dompfarre Graz site.
Graz Cathedral is not part of a commercial city pass scheme such as Go City or CityPASS, and since entry is already free, no pass is needed here. Visitors combining their trip with paid museums nearby can use the Graz Card, which covers Schloss Eggenberg, the Kunsthaus Graz, and public transport across the city.
How to get to Graz Cathedral
The cathedral stands at Burggasse 3, directly opposite Graz Burg in the historic city centre.
The cathedral is a short walk from Graz’s main square, Hauptplatz, and is well served by the city’s tram and bus network.
Parking at Graz Cathedral
Several public car parks serve the historic city centre, within a short walk of the cathedral.
Given the narrow, pedestrian-focused old town streets, many visitors find it easier to arrive by tram or on foot rather than by car.
How long to spend at Graz Cathedral
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes at Graz Cathedral.
Add extra time if you also visit the adjoining Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, or explore the wider “Graz City Crown” ensemble of historic buildings nearby. History enthusiasts studying the Conrad Laib painting and the exterior fresco in detail may prefer to allow a full hour.
Accessibility at Graz Cathedral
The cathedral’s main entrance is at street level, typical of the surrounding historic old town.
Contact the parish office at +43 316 821683 in advance for specific accessibility needs, since the building dates to the 15th century.
What to see at Graz Cathedral
Built between 1438 and 1464 under Holy Roman Emperor Friedrich III, the cathedral replaced an earlier parish church first documented in the 12th century and dedicated to St. Ägydius (St. Giles).
The cathedral has served as the cathedral and bishop’s church of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau since 1786.
On the exterior, look for the “Gottesplagenbild,” a well-preserved Gothic fresco from 1485 depicting three plagues that struck the region: locusts, the Ottoman Turks, and the plague itself.
Inside, the Friedrichskapelle (Frederick’s Chapel) and the painting “Kreuzigung im Gedräng” (“Crucifixion in the Crowd”), created by Conrad Laib in 1457, rank among the cathedral’s most significant artistic treasures.
The cathedral forms the centrepiece of the “Graz City Crown,” a unique ensemble that also includes Graz Burg, the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, the Old University, and the former Jesuit seminary.
The Swabian builder Hans Niesenberger is thought to have overseen the cathedral’s construction, which was once physically connected to the neighbouring imperial castle, reflecting its original dual role as both a place of worship and a residence church.
Practical visitor tips
| Focus | Tip |
|---|---|
| Timing | Check the Mass schedule before visiting, since sightseeing isn’t permitted during services. |
| Entry process | Visit on a Tuesday morning with caution, since the cathedral doesn’t open until 11am that day. |
| Crowds | Combine your visit with the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II next door, which keeps similar seasonal hours. |
| Layout | Look up at the exterior for the “Gottesplagenbild” fresco before heading inside. |
| On-site logistics | Keep your visit quiet and respectful, since the cathedral remains an active parish church. |
Frequently asked questions about Graz Cathedral
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is admission to Graz Cathedral free? | Yes, entry is completely free. |
| Is Graz Cathedral open on Mondays? | Yes, it’s open Mondays from 8am to 7:45pm. |
| Can you visit during a church service? | No, sightseeing visits aren’t permitted while services are taking place. |
| Is the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II open year-round? | No, it’s open April through October only, and closed from November to March. |
| Do you need to book a guided tour in advance? | Not for general visits, but winter tours of the Mausoleum must be arranged through the Diocesan Museum. |
Things to do near Graz Cathedral
- Graz Burg – the former royal residence directly opposite the cathedral, home to a famous double-spiral staircase.
- Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II – an ornate imperial mausoleum next door, part of the same historic ensemble.
- Schlossberg – Graz’s castle hill and clock tower, reachable by funicular, a short walk away.
- Hauptplatz – Graz’s main square, lined with cafés and shops, a short walk away.
- Schloss Eggenberg – a Baroque palace with state rooms and gardens, roughly 20 minutes’ tram ride.
Alternative attractions
- Salzburg Cathedral, Salzburg – a Baroque cathedral in Austria’s best-known historic city, roughly 3 hours’ drive.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna, Austria – Vienna’s Gothic cathedral landmark, roughly 2 hours’ drive.
- Basilika Mariatrost, Graz – a Baroque pilgrimage basilica on a hill overlooking the city, roughly 15 minutes’ drive.
- Seckau Abbey, Seckau, Austria – a Romanesque Benedictine abbey and former seat of the diocese, roughly 1 hour’s drive.
- Maribor Cathedral, Maribor, Slovenia – a Gothic cathedral in a neighbouring country, roughly 1 hour’s drive.
