Introduction
The New Cathedral (German: Neuer Dom), also known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (German: Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom; Mariendom), is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Linz, Austria. The neo-Gothic church is the largest church building in Austria. The largest church in Austria is situated in Linz – the New Cathedral (also called Mariendom or Maria-Empfängnis-Dom). Beautiful glass windows decorate the cathedral, which was finished in 1924 and can accommodate 20,000 people. The sacred space is also fascinating.
The largest church in Austria is located in Linz – the “Mariendom” or so-called “New Cathedral”. Wonderful stained glass windows adorn the cathedral, which was completed in 1924 and can seat 20,000 people. The sacred space is also fascinating. St. Mary’s Cathedral is a haven of peace and an architectural masterpiece. Enjoy a view over Linz from the tower, or experience the fascinating view of the church interior at a height of 15 meters on a special guided tour of the church’s accessible interior gallery. The tours are also excellent for children from 5 years and families.
A special highlight is the “stairway to heaven” on which one climbs the tower over 633 steps and has a wonderful view of Linz! Passing the impressive Rudigier Hall and the imposing ringing with the seven bells, you climb a new steel staircase through the tower to the uppermost stone balcony at a height of 112 meters.
Especially in 2024, the cathedral is worth a visit. For its 100th consecration anniversary in April 2024, a large celebration will take place, during which a new visitor center will also be opened. As this year also coincides with the 200th birthday of Anton Bruckner, special events will also be held here to honor the great composer, who wrote several pieces directly for the cathedral’s rooms.
Franz-Josef Rudigier was an ardent “brick and mortar” priest of the 19th century. He would proselytize by building. He laid plans for the largest church in Austria, then and now. Largest, but not the highest. By law it was not allowed to be taller then Saint Stephen’s Church in Vienna. The New Cathedral is a mere two meters shorter.
The cornerstone was laid in May, 1862. The ritual was accompanied by a performance of Anton Bruckner’s joyful cantata, “Praise the Lord.” The building was not officially finished and consecrated until 1924. The honors were done by Bishop Johannes Maria Gfollner. The full name of the church was “Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.”
The plans were drawn by Master Builder Vincenz Statz of Cologne in the French High Gothic style. The Cathedral can seat up to 20,000 souls. It is 130 meters in length and it covers 5,170 square meters of area.
Particular mention should be made of the stained glass windows. The real stand out is the Linz Window, showing the history of Linz. Sponsors’ portraits appear in some of the windows. During World War II some windows on the south side of the Cathedral were destroyed. They were replaced with windows showing modern art subjects and styles.
The Nativity Scene in the church crypt with figures by S. Osterrieder is especially noteworthy. The display of the regalia of Venerable Franz-Josef Rudigier also should not be missed.
The New Cathedral is an architectural haven. There is a splendid view of Linz from the spire. Tours of the interior of the church are available, especially tours of the inner gallery. The vast interior is a space of tranquility and composure for busy visitors. Just as the Venerable Franz-Josef imagined it would be.
Architecture of Linzer Mariendom, Linz, Austria
Construction plans were started in 1855 by Bishop Franz-Josef Rudigier. The first stone was laid on 1 May 1862—an event solemnised by the performance of Anton Bruckner’s Festive Cantata Preiset den Herrn. In 1924 Bishop Johannes Maria Gföllner consecrated the finished building as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The plans, drawn by the master builder of the Archdiocese of Cologne, Vincenz Statz, were made in the French high Gothic style.
With room for 20,000 people, the cathedral is the largest (130 meters long, and the ground 5,170 square meters), but not the highest, church in Austria. The originally-planned, higher spire was not approved, because in Austria-Hungary at the time, no building was allowed to be taller than the South Tower of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. At 134.6 m, the New Cathedral is two meters shorter than the Viennese cathedral.
Particularly noteworthy are the cathedral’s stained glass windows. The most famous is the Linz Window, which depicts the history of Linz. The windows also contain portraits of the various sponsors of the church’s construction. During the Second World War some windows, particularly in the southern part of the cathedral, were damaged. Instead of restoring the original windows, they have been replaced with windows displaying modern art. Also noteworthy is the nativity scene in the church burial vault, with its figures made by S. Osterrieder, the display of the regalia of Bishop Rudigier and the great organ (so called “Rudigierorgel”) built in 1968 by the famous Danish organ builder Marcussen & Søn.
Construction of this huge Roman Catholic Church began in the 1860s. At 130 metres, it’s the longest church in Austria; and its spire soars 135 metres into the sky. Inside, the Neo-Gothic church’s most striking feature are the stunning stained glass windows; especially the ‘Linz Window’, which narrates the city’s history. You’ll see some modern art windows too – these were put in place after bombings in WWII destroyed the originals. The nativity scene in the crypt is quite elaborate. On guided tours, you can climb up to the interior gallery, and up the spire from where the views of Linz are unbeatable.
Bells
The cathedral has seven swinging bells hung in the tower, placed on 2 levels, and were all cast by Anton Gugg in 1901. The lower level contains the largest bell or bourdon known as “Immaculata” and it weighs 8 tons while the upper level contains the rest of the bells. The bourdon used to hang on the upper floor next to the other bells, but just a year after the bell system was completed it had to be moved down one floor due to the tower swaying too much to be relocated. The 3 largest bells also serve as clock bells; Peter chimes every quarter hour while Joseph and the bourdon Immaculata in succession chime each the number of a full hour. In Austria, the bells are always numbered from largest to smallest, Bell 1 is always the tenor or bourdon
Feast Day
Feast day : 15th August
The Cathedral of Linz, is a significant church in Linz, Austria. The feast date associated with the cathedral is typically the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on August 15th.
Church Mass Timing
Monday to Saturday : 6:15 pm.
Sunday : 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 4:30 pm. (English), 6:15 pm.
Church Opening Time
Monday to Saturday : 7.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sundays and public holidays : 8:00 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Contact Info
Address:
Cathedral Square 1
Herrenstraße 26, 4020 Linz, Austria
Phone : +43 732 946100
Accommodations
Connectivities
Airport
Linz Airport (LOWL/LNZ) to Linzer Mariendom, Catholic cathedral in Linz, Austria Distance 19 min (12.2 km) via B139
Railway
Linz Hbf Station to Linzer Mariendom, Catholic cathedral in Linz, Austria Distance 5 min (1.9 km) via B139
