Painted House & Herzogshof

The Gemaltes Haus (Painted House), also known as the Herzogshof (Duke's Court), is one of the notable landmarks in the center of Graz. Its completely painted façade displays impressive frescoes of Greek and Roman gods, instantly attracting all eyes.

First documented in 1360, the building received its first façade painting around 1600 by Giovanni Pietro de Pomis. In 1742, the Vorauer artist Johann Mayer renovated the façade on behalf of the owner Franz von Lathurner, creating the wall painting visible today, covering an area of about 220 m².

Additionally interesting: The frescoes on the Painted House are partly interspersed with illusionistic architectural painting, conveying the impression of columns, cornices, and balconies. Small figurative details, such as cherubic figures or animal representations, invite a closer exploration of the façade. Today, the house is not only a photographic motif but also a testament to Graz's rich art history and an example of the fusion of secular architecture and Baroque painting.

A stroll through the old town can be ideally combined with a visit to the Painted House. It is located not far from the Landhaus and the Landeszeughaus and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Graz.