Priests' Seminary

The Priesterseminar (priestly seminary) of Graz-Seckau is located in the heart of the old town, opposite the cathedral and mausoleum. It was built between 1572 and 1597 according to the plans of the architect Vinzenz de Verda and is among the most significant baroque new constructions in the German-speaking world. The building combines monastic austerity with artisanal elegance and has shaped the cityscape for centuries.

As early as 1585, a philosophical and theological university was founded in what was then the Jesuit College. The quadrangle with its courtyard and its architectural connection to the Ägidius Church is still particularly impressive today. The building has served various purposes over the centuries, from school to prison to barracks – before it was used again for ecclesiastical purposes.

Today it is home to the Priesterseminar and the Diocesan Museum, a cultural and spiritual center. Historically significant: In 1792, the first Protestant service in Graz took place here, a symbol of religious openness. The Priestly Seminary combines baroque dignity, theological education, and a tumultuous history into an impressive experience within the sights of Graz, in the heart of the old town of Graz and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Graz.

Special feature: A stone snowman surprises in the courtyard of the Priestly Seminary with a mischievous smile, a silent symbol of transience and fine humor within ecclesiastical walls.