Aerial Views of Graz after the Air raid by the Allied Forces 1945

Topography of Destruction

The Second World War was essentially an aerial war. It began in 1939, when Nazi Germany attacked Warsaw, and culminated in the Allied air raids on German cities. After conquering South Italy, US bomber groups operated from Foggia against the southeast of the German Reich. Located on their way back from strategic targets around Vienna and in Upper Styria, Graz was among the most often bombed cities of present-day Austria. Almost 50% of all buildings were damaged, and many completely destroyed. A large number of people took refuge in the tunnel system of the Schloßberg.