Leoben is a city in Styria, in Central Austria, located on the Mur river. The city's population is about 25,000 people, it is a local industrial center. In Leoben University, founded in 1840, which specialises in the mining industry. Leoben known as the "iron Gate in Styria".

The first documentary mention of Leoben dated 904 year, where this area is called the lupine. In 1261 Leoben received from the Duke of Styria right to be called a city. Soon the Leoben mining became the center of all Styria, survived during the Turkish invasions in the 15th century and in the 16th century took an active part in the reformation. After the expulsion of the Protestants from the city, in 1665 was built Catholic Cathedral in honor of a monk and a Jesuit Saint Francis Xavier. In the period from 1782 to 1859 Leoben was the center of Catholic bishops.

Residents of Leoben for many centuries was engaged in the trade of iron. Mountain traditions still play an important role in the life of the city. So, for example, annually celebrates the Day of miners, the feast of St. Barbara, hosts a variety of themed fairs and exhibitions.

The main attractions of the city include the Baroque Church of St. Francis Xavier of the 17th century, the Old town hall, the Gothic Church Maria am Waasen with original stained glass Windows, ancient Benedictine Abbey Hess with frescoes of the 14th-century and early-Romanesque crypt, St. Jacob's Church and University of Leoben.