It is highly likely that there were fortifications atop the 475 m Schlossberg as early as the 10th century and there is definite evidence of strong fortifications dating from the 11th century. Faced with permanent threats from the Turks, new fortifications were erected in 1544 which didn’t only stand firm against the Turks but also later against the French. Napoleon called the complex a “ramshackle building” but was set to right in 1809 when a garrison numbering a mere 900 men held their own against countless assaults and cannon fire. Graz’s landmark is the old clock tower, which was given its un mistakable appearance in the course of 16th century alterations. Our model also shows the bell tower with its famous “Lisl” bell, the restaurant buildings with part of the bastion and the funicular with its upper and lower stations. Powered by electricity, the funicular covers a distance of 108 m in height, was overhauled in 1960 and has transported passengers faithfully and without incident in over 100 years of service.
Altitude of the Schlossberg: 3.80 m
Height of the Bell Tower: 1.28 m
Height of the Clock Tower: 1.12 m
Total weight with substructure: 8 t
Materials: concrete, natural stone, eternit, copper, brass
Driving power of the funicular: E-Motor, 55 Watt, 24 Volt, el. control
Construction time: 2 years
Model makers: HTL Villach, HTL Graz; Standseilbahn – S. Gandelau (1964/88)