Wednesday, Sept 30
This morning we visit the Styrian Armoury in Graz, then head back to Vienna as we have an early flight back home to California tomorrow.
Mike had found info on this Armoury museum online and thought it sounded really interesting, so we decided to check it out. They say it's the world's largest historic armoury with 32,000 pieces of armor, weaponry, etc. It is still housed in the original building, which was built in the 1600's. During WWII, all the pieces were moved and stored in 3 different castles in remote parts of Styria and when the war was over the pieces were returned to the building which had escaped damage in the war.
It is truly an impressive collection: armor, helmets, swords, sabers, pistols, long guns, halberds, mortars, cannons, there is even a full set of horse armor on display. One of the incredible things about this museum is the building itself, very fancy on the outside and these great wooden floors inside (third floor). Very little of the collection is in cases or behind glass, they just politely ask you not to touch anything as you begin your tour. Another incredible thing in regards to the pistols is that 90% of them still work! Many of the pistols have beautiful handwork with inlaid design made from animal horn. Some of the armor also has wonderful etched detailing on it.
Well worth the small entry fee and definitely worth seeing.
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