GRATZ, or GRAZ, grata. The capital of the Austrian Crownland of Styria, picturesquely sit uated in a beautiful region, on both sides of the Mur, about 140 miles southwest of Vienna by rail (Map: Austria, D 3). The inner town, on the left bank of the river, connected with the town on the right bank by seven bridges, is built around the Schlossberg, formerly a strongly for tified hill, and since the destruction of the for tifications by the French in 1809 laid out in charming pleasure grounds. The view is famous front the Schlossberg, which is ascended by a cable railway. The city park is located on this hill, and is a noteworthy example of the English style. The old bastions of the city have nearly disappeared. Among the more notable buildings are the Gothic cathedral, completed in 1462, and interesting on account of its fine stained-glass windows, altarpieces, and reliquaries (the adjoining mausoleum with an ornate facade contains the tomb of Emperor Ferdinand IL) ; the parish church, with a fine altarpiece by Tin toretto; an ancient Gothic church of the Teutonic Knights. dating from the thirteenth century; the splendid Renaissance Landhaus, or Hall of the Estates, the place of assembly of the Styrian Diet, dating from 1569; the arsenal, with a large and excellent collection of ancient weapons, and the Imperial palace, built in the eleventh century. Among the more modern build ings are the German Renaissance Rathaus, the university buildings, the law courts, the mu seum, and the Joanneum, with an important natural-history collection and other collections, and a library of 140,000 volumes. There are noteworthy monuments to Francis I. and Arch
duke John.
Gratz is well supplied with educational institu tions, having in addition to the university (see GRATZ, UNIVERSITY OF) a technical high school, several gymnasia, and industrial and trade schools. The provincial picture gallery includes examples of Tintoretto and Cranach. The chari table institutions are numerous and well equipped, and there are several art and scientific associations. Gratz has important and rapidly growing manufactures of steel and iron products (especially steel rails), leather, paper, woolen cloths, hats, perfumery articles, excellent cham pagne, etc. There are extensive railway shops, an important book and publishing company, and large savings hanks. Owing to its position on the direct railway line between Vienna and Triest, Gratz is favorably situated as an intermediary station for the trade between the Austrian capital and the Adriatic provinces. It is the sent of the superior courts for Styria, Carinthia, and Car niola, and of the Prince Bishop of Seckau. Popu lation, in 1890, 112,069; in 1900, 138,370. The environs are delightful, offering fine views and interesting excursions.
Gratz first appears in 1129, though its origin undoubtedly goes back to a far earlier date. In the fifteenth century it was the favorite residence of the Roman Emperors, and later became a strong centre of resistance to Turkish conquest. It was occupied by the French in 1797, 1805, and 1809. Since 1860 it has developed rapidly. Con sult Gsell Fels, Grata and seine Umgebung (Mu nich, 1897).