Mausoleum of Ferdinand II

Graz

LoginSave

The mannerist-baroque Mausoleum of Ferdinand II was designed by Italian architect Pietro de Pomis and begun in 1614; after Pomis’ death the mausoleum was completed by Pietro Valnegro, while Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach chipped in with the exuberant stuccowork and frescoes inside. Ferdinand (1578–1637), his wife and his son are interred in the crypt.

Another highlight is a red-marble sarcophagus of Ferdinand’s parents, Karl II (1540–90) and Maria of Bavaria (1551–1608). Only Maria occupies the sarcophagus – Karl II lies in the Benedictine Abbey in Seckau.

When we last visited the situation was in flux and you could only visit the mausoleum by calling in advance and arranging a time. Call, check the website or ask at the tourist office for the latest on this.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Graz, Austria - June 18, 2016: Kunsthaus Graz, an exhibition centre for contemporary art. The Kunsthaus with its futuristic design is also called the Friendly Alien by its architects Peter Cook and; Shutterstock ID 439401436; Your name (First / Last): Daniel Fahey; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: Nice and Graz POIs

    Kunsthaus Graz

    0.38 MILES

    Designed by British architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, this world-class contemporary-art space is known as the 'friendly alien' by locals. The…

  • Schloss Eggenberg

    Schloss Eggenberg

    2.44 MILES

    Graz' elegant palace was created for the Eggenberg dynasty in 1625 by Giovanni Pietro de Pomis (1565–1633) at the request of Johann Ulrich (1568–1634)…

  • Schlossberg

    Schlossberg

    0.41 MILES

    Rising to 473m, Schlossberg is the site of the original fortress where Graz was founded and is marked by the city's most visible icon – the Uhrturm. Its…

  • Landeszeughaus

    Landeszeughaus

    0.17 MILES

    If you have a passion for armour and weapons, you'll especially enjoy the Landeszeughaus, where more than 30,000 pieces of glistening weaponry are housed…

  • Neue Galerie Graz

    Neue Galerie Graz

    0.31 MILES

    The Neue Galerie is the crowning glory of the three museums inside the Joanneumsviertel complex. The collection of works on level 0 is the highlight,…

  • Schloss Eggenberg Museums

    Schloss Eggenberg Museums

    2.41 MILES

    Graz' Schloss Eggenberg and park grounds are home to an ensemble of excellent museums, including the Alte Galerie (Old Gallery), with its outstanding…

  • Hauptplatz

    Hauptplatz

    26.87 MILES

    Dating from the 13th century, this long, rectangular square has an attractive Pestsäule (Plague Column; 1717). Many of the elegant facades lining the…

  • Schloss Eggenberg Parkland

    Schloss Eggenberg Parkland

    2.33 MILES

    Lending Graz' Schloss Eggenberg broad splashes of green, these palace gardens are a relaxing place for whiling away the time amid squawking peacocks and…

View more attractions

Nearby Graz attractions

1. Domkirche

0.03 MILES

The Domkirche dates from the 15th century, and became a cathedral in 1786. The interior combines Gothic and baroque elements, with reticulated vaulting on…

2. Künstlerhaus Graz

0.11 MILES

The city's edgiest contemporary-art institution calls itself a 'Halle für Kunst & Medien' – art and media – and presents a program of installation,…

3. Burg

0.12 MILES

Graz’ 15th-century Burg today houses government offices. At the far end of the courtyard, on the left under the arch, is an ingenious double staircase …

4. Landeszeughaus

0.17 MILES

If you have a passion for armour and weapons, you'll especially enjoy the Landeszeughaus, where more than 30,000 pieces of glistening weaponry are housed…

5. Atelier Jungwirth

0.18 MILES

Graz' most compelling contemporary art space specialises in photography. A calendar of shows spans reportage, fashion and more conceptual work, and…

6. Stadtpfarrkirche

0.18 MILES

Rising up on Herrengasse between the main square and Jakominiplatz, the town parish church stands out for its attractive baroque exterior. Inside, the…

7. Museum für Geschichte

0.26 MILES

The Museum of History is housed inside the baroque Palais Herberstein, which has an elegant staircase dating from 1757 and stately rooms. Exhibits in the…

8. Volkskundemuseum

0.27 MILES

The Folk Life Museum is devoted to folk art and social history. Highlights include 2000 years of traditional clothing in an exhibition that brings…