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The 400-year-old Styrian Armoury is the largest historic armory in the world

Marija Georgievska

Built back in 1642, the Styrian Armoury in Graz, Austria, is the world’s largest historic armory.

It contains approximately 32,000 specimens of arms and military equipment, which is enough to equip an army of around 5,000 men.

It is the world's largest historic armoury. Photo Credit
It is the world’s largest historic armory. Photo Credit

Graz was the center of defense during the Turkish Wars, between the 15th century and the 18th century.

Styria was on the front line of almost continuous conflict with the Ottoman Empire and with rebels in Hungary.

In order to defend itself, massive armies were organized in a very short time, and they needed equipment.

It was built by the architect Antonio Solar. Photo Credit
It was built by the architect Antonio Solar. Photo Credit

The Styrian Armoury was built from 1642-1645 by the architect Antonio Solar.

Today, the large quantities of armor and weapons in the armory are still stored and organized the way they were 400 years ago.

The most impressive piece of armour. Photo Credit
The most impressive piece of armour. Photo Credit

The finest suits of armor belong to the Styrian military heroes and rulers.

One of the most impressive pieces is the whole armor of a horse made by Konrad Seusenhof.

The armoury is situated in Graz's Inner City, a few steps from Hauptplatz at Herrengasse Nr. 16. Photo Credit
The armory is situated in Graz’s Inner City, a few steps from Hauptplatz at Herrengasse Nr. 16. Photo Credit

The armory was in use for a little over a 100 years before the Austrian empress Maria Theresia wanted to close it down as part of her centralization of the defense of Austria.

Styria petitioned for the ongoing existence of the armory and managed to preserve it as a museum.

Armour in the Armory. Photo Credit
Armor in the Armory. Photo Credit

It was left intact but largely decommissioned. The last time a weapon from the armory was needed was in 1848, during the revolution in Austria.

The building was opened to the public in 1882, and in 1892 it became the Joanneum Universal Museum.

The building was opened to the public in 1882. Photo Credit
The building was opened to the public in 1882. Photo Credit

The entire contents of the armory were moved to safety during World War II.

The equipment was moved in three castles in remote parts of Styria, and no losses were recorded.

When the war ended, with the support of the British Army, the objects were brought back to the original building. The armory was reopened in April 1946.

It is the main attraction in Graz. Photo Credit
It is the main attraction in Graz. Photo Credit

Read another story on armor from our vault: Japanese armor worn by all samurai classes – the Tatami Gusoku

The armory is the main attraction in Graz, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is open six days a week throughout the year.

Marija Georgievska

Marija Georgievska is one of the authors writing for The Vintage News