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Mariendom Linz

Mariendom Linz

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Mariendom Linz: the largest church in Austria

The Mariendom in Linz is the largest church in Austria and an important landmark of the city and all of Upper Austria. With its impressive architecture and history dating back to 1862, it is an outstanding place of faith and spirituality. The construction of St. Mary's Cathedral was the largest construction project in Europe at the time and was financed by donations from believers. Today the cathedral is not only a religious place, but also a cultural center and event venue. In 2024, St. Mary's Cathedral celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Short info:

Where is the Mariendom Linz? Herrenstraße 26, 4020 Linz
When was St. Mary's Cathedral built? Construction began in 1862 and the consecration took place in 1924.
How big is the Mariendom? The Mariendom is the largest church in Austria.
How high is the tower of St. Mary's Cathedral? The tower is 134 meters high and is one of the highest church towers in Austria.
Is there an entrance fee to St. Mary's Cathedral? Admission to the cathedral is free, but fees may apply for guided tours.
Is the Mariendom barrier-free? Yes, the Mariendom is largely barrier-free.
When is it open? Mon-Sat from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sundays and public holidays: 8:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., visits during services and events are not possible.

History and Construction of the Mariendom

On May 1, 1862, Bishop Franz Joseph Rudigier laid the foundation stone for St. Mary's Cathedral, which was considered the largest construction project in Europe of its time. The construction of the cathedral was a technical and logistical masterpiece that took 62 years. It is noteworthy that the construction of the cathedral was financed exclusively by donations from believers via the cathedral building association. This collective commitment of the population makes St. Mary's Cathedral a symbol of faith and community.

The construction of the cathedral was associated with great challenges from the very beginning, both in terms of financing and technical requirements. Despite these difficulties, St. Mary's Cathedral was ceremoniously consecrated on April 29, 1924 and has stood as the largest church in Austria ever since.

architecture and special features

The Mariendom is impressive not only because of its size, but also because of its architecture. Built in the Gothic style, the cathedral is characterized by high, delicately designed windows and an imposing facade. Particularly noteworthy is the 134-meter-high tower, which is one of the highest church towers in Austria and offers a breathtaking view of the city of Linz and the surrounding area.

The interior of the cathedral contains impressive works of art and detailed work that make it an important artistic and cultural monument. The magnificent organ that accompanies the liturgical life in the cathedral and the many colorful stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible make St. Mary's Cathedral an impressive place of spirituality and art.

views from the cathedral

The cathedral offers unique insights into normally inaccessible areas as part of special tours. From the ground floor, the path leads up "secret" spiral staircases to the inner gallery, which can be reached via 86 steps. Here you have the opportunity to view the impressive rose windows and painted windows up close. The view over the entire church from a height of around fourteen meters is an unforgettable experience. Another highlight of the tour is the path through the attic, which provides access to the cathedral's outer gallery. Once you have arrived at the outer gallery, you are treated to a unique view of the neo-Gothic architecture and a fantastic view of the roofscape of Linz.

The tour takes place on Sundays and public holidays at 3:00 p.m. and lasts 60 minutes.

Prices are €8.50 for adults and €5.00 for children. The meeting point is the DomCenter directly on the Domplatz.

The Mariendom as a cultural and event venue

In addition to its religious significance, St. Mary's Cathedral also plays a central role in the cultural life of Linz and Upper Austria. It is used for numerous events, including concerts, music and theater performances, and liturgical celebrations.

The architecture and acoustics of St. Mary's Cathedral provide ideal conditions for church concerts, where the impressive organ and choir can be heard. The events attract numerous visitors every year and make the cathedral an important cultural meeting place.