Turkish Well
The so-called Turkish Well was built between 1554 and 1558 by the Styrian estates according to the plans of Domenico dell’Allio.
The shaft to the groundwater of the Mur River, 94 meters deep, secured the fortress’s water supply.
Initially known as Deep Well, the name Turkish Well became established in the 19th century due to the false assumption that Ottoman prisoners of war had carried out the construction.
After the fortress had been destroyed in 1809, the well ring was blown up and its shaft filled with spoil. In 1820, Bonaventura Hödl purchased the well and made it usable again thanks to donations. The Turkish Well was given its present-day appearance in 1934 with the demolition of a wooden extension which had also been built by Hödl.
Good to know
The Turkish Well is situated below the Stall Bastion on Graz’s Schlossberg. It is easily reached via the walking paths on the Schlossberg and can be conveniently combined with a visit to the Stable Bastion, the Graz Museum Schlossberg, or the Clock Tower.
The well was originally known as the "Deep Well." The name "Turkish Well" only became common in the 19th century, when people mistakenly believed that Ottoman prisoners of war had built it. In fact, the well was constructed according to the plans of Domenico dell'Allio and was excavated mainly by convicts, labourers and miners.
At 94 metres, the Turkish Well is one of the deepest historic wells in Austria. Through the protective grille, visitors can look directly down into the deep well shaft – an impressive experience.
No. Please do not throw coins or stones into the well, as this may damage or contaminate the historic shaft. The Graz Fire Brigade regularly cleans the well to help preserve this unique monument.
A special experience at the Turkish Well is the fascinating water experiment: Pour a small amount of water into the well and count how long it takes before you hear the splash – around 10 seconds! It's a memorable way to experience just how deep the well really is.
Allow around 10 minutes to visit the Turkish Well and take photographs. Thanks to its location, it can easily be combined with other attractions on the Schlossberg.
Yes. The Turkish Well is located in the freely accessible area of Graz’s Schlossberg and can be visited free of charge at any time.
Yes. Near the Turkish Well there is a historic connecting tunnel that once formed part of the fortress. It is one of the lesser-known remnants of Graz’s Schlossberg and demonstrates how sophisticated the fortress's defensive system once was.
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