St Leonhard

University district with flair

St. Leonhard is home to the renowned Karl-Franzens University – walks through the historic campus district and its cafés exude a real student city feeling.

Art, Music & Architecture

Leonhardstraße connects magnificent old buildings with cultural highlights such as the opera house (right on the district border) and the renowned music school.

Relaxation near the center

Just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the old town, St. Leonhard offers charming avenues, quiet parks and elegant residential areas – perfect for taking a breather during a city trip.

District St Leonhard

St. Leonhard is one of Graz's most charming districts—characterized by traditional architecture, academic flair, and green urban tranquility. Just a short walk from the Old Town, visitors discover a blend of historical splendor and vibrant university life. Nestled between imposing villas, the Karl-Franzens University, and the University Hospital, St. Leonhard offers many small cafés, hidden gardens, and quiet spaces to linger. Those looking to explore Graz off the beaten track will find St. Leonhard a stylish retreat with personality.

What you can discover

Botanical Garden in Graz: A greenhouse in the warm evening light, reflected in a tranquil pond, surrounded by lush greenery and tropical plants.

University of Graz & Botanical Garden: Relaxation in the green

A green paradise in the heart of Graz: the Botanical Garden offers a place of peace and relaxation with around 7,500 plant species from all over the world. Discover tropical greenhouses, Mediterranean beds and the historic pavilion - a perfect destination for nature lovers and anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Fresh regional vegetables on a market stall in Graz: pumpkins, green beans, celery, turnips and tomatoes on a table covered in yellow, with old market scales in the background.

Farmers' Market St. Leonhard: Enjoy regional produce in the heart of the district

Every Wednesday, Leonhardplatz is transformed into a relaxed meeting place for all those who love fresh, regional produce. Between the smell of bread, boxes of vegetables and friendly chats, you'll find real quality here - straight from the producers.

Leonhardkirche in Graz with baroque onion dome and modern extension, in the foreground historic gravestones in the cemetery, under a clear blue sky.

Leonhard Church & Cemetery St. Leonhard: Journey through time between Gothic and history

One of the quietest places in Graz is hidden between the university and the LKH hospital. The Baroque-Gothic Leonhard Church and the historic cemetery invite you to pause, discover and remember - a real insider tip for anyone who wants to feel history.

Exterior view of the Herz-Jesu-Kirche in Graz at sunset, neo-Gothic brick building with high towers and rose windows against a blue sky.

Sacred Heart Church: Gothic landmark in a brick shell

A Gothic brick dream with the third highest church tower in Austria: the Herz-Jesu-Kirche impresses with its monumental architecture, colourful windows and quiet, spiritual atmosphere in the heart of Graz. A place to marvel, pause and discover.

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History

Symbol photo

St Leonhard

From rural settlement to upscale residential area: The story of St. Leonhard in Graz tells of change, rise and architectural elegance with a historical core.

More about the history

The district St Leonhard Located east of Graz's city center, it is one of the most elegant and diverse districts of the Styrian capital. For visitors who want to experience Graz in its fullest, St. Leonhard offers a special blend of historic architecture, green oases, and cultural vibrancy.

The centrepiece of the district is the Karl-Franzens University, the city's oldest and largest university. The surrounding streets are characterized by student life, small cafés, bookstores, and an open, young atmosphere. Anyone strolling through Leonhardstraße or the Gürtel immediately senses that education, art, and culture are firmly anchored in the identity of this district.

In addition to the university flair, St. Leonhard impresses with its Classical and Baroque buildingsMagnificent city villas, well-kept front gardens, and quiet avenues make this district an ideal place for relaxing strolls away from the tourist crowds. The area around the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, whose imposing spire towers high above the city's rooftops, is particularly popular.

Another highlight – especially for visitors with an interest in urban development and architecture – is the Graz University HospitalAs the largest hospital in Styria, it combines historic hospital buildings with state-of-the-art medical technology and international research.

Despite its proximity to the old town, St. Leonhard remains pleasantly quiet and manageable. It is ideal for anyone who wants to explore the city authentic, upscale and with lots of greenery Whether enjoying breakfast in the garden, strolling through the residential areas, or attending a cultural event – St. Leonhard offers urban quality of life with charm and character.

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