Mariendom

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, commonly known as the Mariendom or New Cathedral, is the largest church in Austria — though not the tallest. Legend has it that no church in Austria-Hungary was permitted to exceed the height of the south tower of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, which is said to be the reason the Mariendom's spire stands two metres shorter than its Viennese counterpart.

Visiting the cathedral

One of the many guided tours on offer is the best way to explore the Mariendom, including areas that are otherwise closed to the public. Tour themes range from the cathedral tower and Austria's largest nativity scene in the crypt to the bells and the stunning stained-glass windows.

Construction of the Linz Cathedral was decided upon in 1855 by the Bishop of Linz, Franz Joseph Rudigier. The foundation stone was laid in 1862, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was consecrated on 29 April 1924. The cathedral houses nine bells and an organ built by the Danish firm Marcussen & Søn, featuring 70 stops and 5,890 pipes. During the Second World War, a watchman's room was installed in the tower, likely used as an observation post. When Linz became European Capital of Culture in 2009, the diocese opened this room to anyone — regardless of faith — wishing to spend a week in quiet retreat with pastoral support available. The project remains popular to this day.

By public transport

Mariendom is located within the historic part of Linz. A 15 min walk from the train station. First take the street Kärntnerstraße, then turn left onto Volksgartenstraße and walk along the garden Volksgarten, afterwards turn right onto Herrenstraße.