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The name 'Graz' is believed to have originated from a Germanic term meaning 'fortified settlement,' reflecting its early military importance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The name 'Graz' most likely originates from the Slavic term 'gradec/gradac,' meaning 'small castle,' not a Germanic term.
The city of Graz was founded by Bavarian settlers who intermixed with the Alpine Slavic people already present in the region.
Answer: True
Explanation: The city of Graz was founded by Bavarian settlers who intermixed with the Alpine Slavic people already present, who had erected a small castle.
The earliest undisputed historical record of the name 'Graz' dates back to 1091.
Answer: False
Explanation: The name 'Graz' first appears in official records in 1128; the 1091 record of 'Grez' is disputed.
Graz was initially referred to as 'Windischgraz' by its German founders to distinguish it from an older Bavarian settlement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Graz was initially referred to as 'Bayrischgraz' or 'Bavarian Graz' by its German founders to distinguish it from the older 'Windischgraz' or 'Slovenian Graz'.
Under Babenberg rule in the 12th century, Graz developed into a significant commercial hub.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dukes under Babenberg rule transformed Graz into an important commercial center during the 12th century.
Graz gained special privileges from King Rudolph I in 1281, after coming under Habsburg rule.
Answer: True
Explanation: Graz came under Habsburg rule and was granted special privileges by King Rudolph I in 1281.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the Schlossberg fortress in Graz was successfully captured by French forces in 1809 after a prolonged siege.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Schlossberg fortress successfully withstood eight assaults by a French army in 1809, though its fortifications were later demolished as part of a peace treaty.
The Glockenturm and Uhrturm were preserved from demolition by Napoleonic forces because they were deemed culturally insignificant.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Glockenturm and Uhrturm were preserved from demolition by Napoleonic forces because the citizens of Graz collectively paid a ransom for their preservation, not because they were deemed culturally insignificant.
Archduke Karl II of Inner Austria was responsible for burning 20,000 Protestant books, which helped return Styria to the authority of the Holy See.
Answer: True
Explanation: Archduke Karl II ordered the burning of 20,000 Protestant books, a significant act that contributed to Styria's return to the Holy See's authority.
For much of its post-war history, Graz was a political stronghold of the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP).
Answer: False
Explanation: For much of its post-war history, Graz was a stronghold of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), not the ÖVP.
The Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ) became the largest party in the Graz city council in the 2021 municipal election, leading to Elke Kahr's election as mayor.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 2021 municipal election, the KPÖ, led by Elke Kahr, emerged as the largest party, and Elke Kahr was subsequently elected mayor.
From which language is the name 'Graz' most likely derived, and what does it mean?
Answer: Slavic, meaning 'small castle'
Explanation: The name 'Graz' most likely originates from the Slavic term 'gradec/gradac,' meaning 'small castle'.
Who were the primary founders of the city of Graz itself, intermixing with earlier settlers?
Answer: Bavarian settlers
Explanation: The city of Graz itself was founded by Bavarian settlers who intermixed with the Alpine Slavic people already present in the region.
When did the name 'Graz' first officially appear in historical records?
Answer: 1128
Explanation: The name 'Graz' first appears in official records in 1128, though a disputed record dates to 1091.
How did Graz differentiate itself from 'Windischgraz' in its early history?
Answer: It was called 'Bayrischgraz' or 'Bavarian Graz' by its German founders.
Explanation: Graz was originally referred to as 'Bayrischgraz' or 'Bavarian Graz' by its German founders to differentiate it from the older 'Windischgraz' or 'Slovenian Graz'.
What significant role did the Babenberg dukes play in Graz's development during the 12th century?
Answer: They transformed Graz into an important commercial center.
Explanation: During the 12th century, dukes under Babenberg rule transformed Graz into an important commercial center.
When did Graz come under Habsburg rule, and what special privilege did it gain from King Rudolph I?
Answer: 1281, special privileges.
Explanation: Graz came under Habsburg rule and was granted special privileges by King Rudolph I in 1281.
How were the Glockenturm and Uhrturm in Graz preserved from demolition by Napoleonic forces?
Answer: Citizens of Graz collectively paid a ransom.
Explanation: The citizens of Graz collectively paid a ransom to save the Glockenturm and Uhrturm from demolition by Napoleonic forces.
What significant religious action did Archduke Karl II undertake in Styria?
Answer: He ordered the burning of 20,000 Protestant books.
Explanation: Archduke Karl II of Inner Austria ordered 20,000 Protestant books to be burned, an action that helped return Styria to the authority of the Holy See.
What tragic event occurred in Graz during the final stages of World War II on April 2, 1945?
Answer: The Gestapo and Waffen-SS carried out a massacre during an Allied bomb raid.
Explanation: On April 2, 1945, during the heaviest Allied bomb raid on Graz, the Gestapo and Waffen-SS carried out a massacre against resistance fighters, Hungarian-Jewish forced laborers, and POWs.
What was the political affiliation of Graz for much of its post-war history?
Answer: Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ)
Explanation: For much of its post-war history, Graz was a stronghold of the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ).
Who became the mayor of Graz in November 2021, following the municipal election?
Answer: Elke Kahr
Explanation: Elke Kahr was elected mayor in November 2021, following the municipal election where the KPÖ became the largest party.
Graz is the largest city in Austria and a significant center for higher education, hosting more than 60,000 students across its universities and colleges.
Answer: False
Explanation: Graz is the second-largest city in Austria, not the largest. It is, however, a significant center for higher education.
The population of Graz's larger urban zone in 2023 was less than double the primary residence population recorded for January 1, 2025.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of January 1, 2025, the primary residence population was 306,068. The larger urban zone population in 2023 was 660,238, which is more than double the primary residence population.
Graz's climate is characterized by strong prevailing westerly winds due to its position southeast of the Alps, leading to higher rainfall than Vienna.
Answer: False
Explanation: Graz's position southeast of the Alps shields it from prevailing westerly winds, resulting in more sunshine and less wind or rain compared to Vienna or Salzburg.
As of January 1, 2025, non-EU nationals constitute the largest group of foreign citizens residing in Graz.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of January 1, 2025, Austrian citizens constitute the largest group (71%), followed by non-EU nationals (15%) and then EU citizens (14%). Among foreign nationals, Croatians are the largest group.
Which of the following best describes Graz's significance within Austria?
Answer: It is the capital of Styria and the second-largest city, known for its higher education institutions.
Explanation: Graz is the capital of Styria and Austria's second-largest city, recognized as a significant center for higher education.
As of January 1, 2025, what was the approximate primary residence population of Graz?
Answer: 306,000 residents
Explanation: As of January 1, 2025, Graz's primary residence population was 306,068.
What is the highest point in Graz?
Answer: Plabutsch mountain
Explanation: The highest point in Graz is Plabutsch mountain, located at the western border of the city, with an elevation of 754 meters.
How does Graz's geographical position southeast of the Alps influence its climate?
Answer: It shields the city from westerly winds, leading to more sunshine and less rain compared to Vienna.
Explanation: Graz's position southeast of the Alps shields it from prevailing westerly winds, resulting in more sunshine and less wind or rain compared to Vienna or Salzburg.
As of January 1, 2025, what percentage of Graz's primary residence population held Austrian citizenship?
Answer: 71%
Explanation: As of January 1, 2025, 71% of Graz's primary residence population held Austrian citizenship.
Which of the following groups was the largest foreign national group residing in Graz as of 2024?
Answer: Croatians
Explanation: As of 2024, Croatians constituted the largest group of foreign nationals residing in Graz.
The University of Graz was founded by Emperor Franz I in 1827 and was controlled by the state from its inception.
Answer: False
Explanation: The University of Graz was founded in 1585 by Archduke Karl II and was controlled by the Catholic Church for most of its early existence. It was re-established by Emperor Franz I in 1827 after being closed by Joseph II.
Johannes Kepler left Graz in 1600 due to political unrest, which made it unsafe for his scientific work.
Answer: False
Explanation: Johannes Kepler left Graz in 1600 because Protestants were banned from the city, not due to general political unrest making it unsafe for scientific work.
Nikola Tesla, Ludwig Boltzmann, and Otto Loewi are all Nobel laureates who had significant connections to Graz's universities.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Ludwig Boltzmann and Otto Loewi (a Nobel laureate) had connections to Graz's universities, Nikola Tesla was an inventor who studied electrical engineering at the Polytechnic but is not listed as a Nobel laureate.
Who founded the University of Graz in 1585?
Answer: Archduke Karl II
Explanation: The University of Graz was founded in 1585 by Archduke Karl II.
Why did Johannes Kepler leave Graz for Prague in 1600?
Answer: Protestants were banned from the city of Graz.
Explanation: Johannes Kepler left Graz in 1600 because Protestants were banned from the city, which made it impossible for him to continue his work there.
Which of the following Nobel laureates taught at the University of Graz from 1909 to 1938?
Answer: Otto Loewi
Explanation: Nobel laureate Otto Loewi taught at the University of Graz from 1909 to 1938.
Graz's historic center and Eggenberg Palace were both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the same year, 1999.
Answer: False
Explanation: Graz's historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, but Eggenberg Palace was added later, in 2010.
The Landhaus in Graz, designed by Domenico dell'Allio, is a prime example of the Gothic architectural style that influenced the city in the 16th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Landhaus is a prime example of Italian Renaissance architecture, not Gothic, which significantly influenced Graz in the 16th century.
The Landeszeughaus in Graz is notable for being the world's largest historical collection of medieval and Renaissance weaponry, preserved since 1551.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Landeszeughaus is indeed the world's largest historical collection of late medieval and Renaissance weaponry, preserved since 1551.
The Graz Museum of Contemporary Art and the Murinsel were constructed as part of Graz's preparations for its designation as a City of Culinary Delights in 2008.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Graz Museum of Contemporary Art and the Murinsel were constructed for Graz's designation as the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003, not for its designation as a City of Culinary Delights in 2008.
The historic center of Graz was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique blend of architectural styles from various historical periods and its location as a cultural crossroads.
Answer: True
Explanation: The historic center of Graz was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the harmonious co-existence of typical buildings from various historical periods and architectural styles, reflecting its location as a cultural crossroads.
The Herz-Jesu-Kirche is the largest church in Graz and features Austria's highest church spire.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Herz-Jesu-Kirche is the largest church in Graz, but its spire is Austria's third-highest, not the highest.
The 'Graz School' of architecture, founded in 1965, is exemplified by buildings like the RESOWI Centre.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Graz School' of architecture was founded in 1965, and the RESOWI Centre is indeed an example of this style.
Styriarte is an annual classical music festival founded to promote local Styrian folk music.
Answer: False
Explanation: Styriarte is an annual classical music festival, but its primary purpose was to strengthen conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt's connection to his hometown, not to promote folk music.
Graz received the designation of 'Cultural Capital of Europe' in which year?
Answer: 2003
Explanation: Graz was named the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003.
Which architectural style significantly influenced Graz in the 16th century, and which building is a prime example?
Answer: Italian Renaissance, exemplified by the Landhaus.
Explanation: Italian Renaissance architects and artists significantly influenced Graz in the 16th century, with the Landhaus serving as a prime example of this style.
What is the significance of the Landeszeughaus (Armoury) in Graz?
Answer: It is the world's largest historical collection of late medieval and Renaissance weaponry.
Explanation: The Landeszeughaus is recognized as the world's largest historical collection of late medieval and Renaissance weaponry.
What new architectural landmark, designed by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, was constructed for Graz's designation as Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003?
Answer: The Graz Museum of Contemporary Art (Kunsthaus)
Explanation: The Graz Museum of Contemporary Art (Kunsthaus), designed by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, was constructed for Graz's designation as Cultural Capital of Europe in 2003.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a key historical sight within Graz's historic city center?
Answer: Eggenberg Palace
Explanation: Eggenberg Palace is listed as a notable attraction outside the historic city center, while the others are listed as being within it.
Which of the following museums in Graz is described as the world's largest key and lock museum?
Answer: The Hanns Schell Collection
Explanation: The Hanns Schell Collection is listed among Graz's important museums and is specifically described as the world's largest key and lock museum.
What is the height of the Herz-Jesu-Kirche, making it the tallest building in Graz?
Answer: 109 meters
Explanation: The Herz-Jesu-Kirche is 109 meters tall, making it the tallest building in Graz.
Which Nobel Prize in Literature laureate has connections to Graz?
Answer: Peter Handke
Explanation: Peter Handke, a Nobel Prize in Literature winner, is listed as having connections to Graz.
Graz's public transport network includes a comprehensive bus system and a tram network with six lines, four of which pass through an underground tram stop at the central train station.
Answer: True
Explanation: Graz indeed has a comprehensive bus network and a tram network with six lines, four of which utilize an underground tram stop at the central train station.
What unique transport systems connect the city center to the Schlossberg?
Answer: A funicular and a vertical lift.
Explanation: The Castle Hill funicular (Schlossbergbahn) and the Castle Hill lift (Schlossberg lift), a vertical lift, provide unique transportation links to the Schlossberg.
Which of the following cities is NOT listed as a direct international train destination from Graz Central Railway Station?
Answer: Rome
Explanation: The list of direct international train destinations from Graz Central Railway Station includes Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Maribor, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Budapest, Prague, Brno, Zürich, Munich, Stuttgart, Heidelberg, and Frankfurt, but not Rome.
What future public transport development was proposed for Graz in 2021?
Answer: A two-line metro system.
Explanation: In 2021, a proposal was made for a two-line metro system in Graz.
Who exclusively provides Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Graz?
Answer: The Austrian Red Cross
Explanation: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Graz are exclusively provided by the Austrian Red Cross.
Social & International Relations
Graz was a crucial center for Slovene nationalism in the 19th century, with student associations fostering a strong national awareness.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 19th century, student associations in Graz were indeed a crucial hub for Slovene nationalism, fostering strong national awareness among students.
SK Sturm Graz is the only football club from Graz to have won an Austrian championship.
Answer: False
Explanation: While SK Sturm Graz has won Austrian championships, Grazer AK also won an Austrian championship, making the statement false.
The dialect spoken in Graz, 'Steirisch,' is a pure form of Southern Bavarian, unaffected by Standard German.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Steirisch' dialect is a mix of Central and Southern Bavarian and is influenced by Standard German due to television, radio, and industrialization.
Which Graz football club was the first Austrian club to advance to the Champions League round of 16 in 2000/01?
Answer: SK Sturm Graz
Explanation: SK Sturm Graz was the first Austrian club to advance to the Champions League round of 16 in 2000/01.
Which of the following cities is twinned with Graz?
Answer: Coventry
Explanation: Coventry, England, is listed as a twin city of Graz since 1957.
Which notable historical figure, whose assassination triggered World War I, was born in Graz?
Answer: Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Explanation: Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination triggered World War I, was born in Graz.