Minoriten-Schlössl, Graz

The Minoriten-Schlössl is a small castle standing above the city on the Grazer Rosenberg in the third district of Graz. It overlooks the whole town from its position high on the slope. The building is also known as Speidlsegg, Luschinschlössl or Rosegg after earlier owners. A quiet lane called Quellengasse leads up to its gate. The castle sits within private grounds, hidden from the main streets below. The castle was built in 1596–97 by Stephan Speidel, secretary to the Styrian estates. After completion in 1603 it was called Speidelsegg, then Rosegg from 1618. Between 1637 and 1789 it belonged to the Graz Franciscan friary. In the mid-19th century it became a coffee house. Later the historian Arnold Luschin-Ebengreuth added parts from old Graz town houses to the structure. Outside, the castle has a square two-storey block with sloping corner turrets and a steep tent roof. A late-baroque stone portal with iron balcony railings and four sandstone busts of philosophers and emperors frames the entrance. Inside, a late-Renaissance doorway with carved foliage survives from the 16th century. The garden contains classical sandstone statues of Fortuna, Mercury and Vulcan set against a josephine-classical gateway.