Am Eisernen Tor, Historic square in central Graz, Austria
Am Eisernen Tor is a triangular plaza in the city center that connects Opernring with Herrengasse street and features several defining elements. The space is structured by a fountain created by Tassilo Huller in 1928 and the Marian Column, which together give the square its distinctive character.
The plaza takes its name from the Iron Gate, a major fortification from the 15th century that marked the passage through the Jewish ghetto walls. This original structure shaped the understanding of the place as a gate and threshold of the city for centuries.
The Marian Column at the southern corner is also called the Turkish Column and marks a religious and military memory for the city. Visitors can see how this monument connects faith and history in the local community.
The plaza sits in the heart of Graz and provides direct access to shops, restaurants, and public transportation, making it a key navigation point. From here you can easily reach museums and other downtown attractions.
The original Iron Gate was not fully demolished until 1859 to 1860, even though the location had carried this name for a long time. This makes the plaza a notable example of how city names preserve place-based history long after physical structures disappear.
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