Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand, Graz

Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II in Graz, Austria
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IMG_0437_-_Graz_-_Mausoleum_of_Ferdinand_II.JPG
Author: Andrew Bossi


The Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II (1578-1637) is located next to the Graz Cathedral in the Old Town of Graz, a World Heritage Site in Austria. It is a small building which was commissioned by the emperor to be the tomb for himself and the imperial family. It is regarded as one of the most magnificent buildings in Graz.

Emperor Ferdinand II of the House of Habsburg, Holy Roman Empire was a devout Catholic. He is most notorious for the extreme measures he took to introduce Counter Reformation and suppress non-Catholic faith. His ultracatholicsm made him extremely unpopular among Protestants, some of whom are the nobles, and caused the Bohemian Revolt.

Emperor Ferdinand II's Mausoleum was designed by Italian architect Pietro de Pomis and completed by another Italian Pietro Valnegro. It is one of the best examples of Austrian Mannerism, successfully blending different architectural styles. It is beautifully decorated with sculptures.

The interior of the Mausoleum was the work of Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, the most famous Austrian architect in the Baroque style. He was born in Graz and started his career there.

 Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips