Shaped by Italian architects, Klagenfurt is sometimes called the "Renaissance Gem". Today, the 800-year-old town features perfectly restored palaces, courtyards and squares. One of them is New Square (Neuer Platz), with the Lindworm Fountain in its centre. A large number of museums provide insight into Carinthia's history and culture, like the Museum of Modern Art, The Provincial Museum, the Wappensaal (Coat of Arms Hall) and the Landhaus Gallery.
The small town has one of Austria's most historic centres and was awarded the prestigious Europa Nostra Diploma three times for its lovingly restored arcaded Renaissance courtyards, which today accommodate modern boutiques, trendy bars, and authentic beer gardens.
Klagenfurt's ease and zest for life can without a doubt be attributed to the city's Mediterranean influence. At the Benedictine farmers’ market, traders from all over Carinthia, the Italian Friuli region, and Slovenia gather to sell vegetables, cheeses, wines and herbs - a true declaration of love to the Alps-Adriatic region.