Graz, August 10, 2024 (KAP) The historic episcopal palace in Graz has been renovated and brought up to a contemporary building standard in more than three years. The Diocese of Graz-Seckau announced this in a press release. The renovation of the historic building, in which more than 30 Styrian companies were involved, has largely been completed.
The Bishop’s Court on Graz’s Bischofplatz is the seat of the diocesan bishop of the diocese of Graz-Seckau and the episcopal ordinariate. The foundation stone for the house was laid in 1254. Since 1786, the building, also known as the Bishop’s Palace, has been the seat of the diocesan bishop; until then, the Styrian bishops lived first in Seckau and then in Seggau and used the Graz Bishop’s Court as quarters for activities in the state capital.
During the Second World War, the house was badly damaged by bombs. At the same time, the tremors uncovered the oldest frescoes in Graz, dating from around 1270. They show scenes from the Old Testament.
“The building had long since ceased to meet the current standards and requirements of an office building – especially with regard to safety and fire protection measures,” says Martin Halmer, Finance Director of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau. During the three-year renovation, it became apparent that bomb damage from the Second World War had not been repaired properly; the roof structure was now reinforced with steel beams. The facades, more than 100 windows and the roof were repaired. In addition, there is modern fire protection, marked escape routes, new lighting and disabled access to most of the offices.
All work was carried out in coordination with the Federal Monuments Office, as the Bischofshof is a listed building in which the oldest fresco room in Graz is located.
New security concept
As part of the construction measures, a new security concept has been or will be implemented, as stated in the press release. This means that the future main entrance for employees in the episcopal ordinariate will lead via Mesnergasse on Bischofplatz. Mesnergasse has been closed since construction work began in Bischofshof in 2021; previously it was open during the office hours of the episcopal ordinariate. Accordingly, the public “secret path” through Mesnergasse has fallen victim to the demands of the times; it will no longer be open in coordination with the city of Graz.
Coming from Herrengasse, the larger section of Mesnergasse and thus a circular route around the parish church and the former Jewish quarter are still easily accessible; as before, during the opening hours of the parish. The large main gate into the Bishop’s Court, however, remains reserved for guests of the episcopal ordinariate. The episcopal palace also remains open to interested parties. Anyone who would like to visit it can do so as part of the guided tours offered by the Diocesan Museum.
Renovation continues
The renovation work is not yet completely finished. The west-side extension to the Bishop’s Court from the 1960s also needs to be renovated, it was said. This construction project, including the redesign of the second courtyard, will start in 2025 after the necessary permits have been obtained, according to the diocese.
