Page 196 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2016 - Austria

194  A USTR i A REgion B y REgion

1 Linz E Linzer Schloss
Schlossberg 1. Tel (0732) 774419-0.
Straddling the Danube in a scenic spot, Linz owes its former Open 9am–6pm
importance and wealth to its location at an intersection of Tue–Fri, 10am–5pm Sat, Sun,
waterways – salt and iron ore were transported along the rivers public holidays. &
Traun and Enns, and further along raw materials and finished In the 15th century, Emperor
products travelled down the Danube to Vienna or Passau. Friedrich III built his residence
on the Römerberg (Roman
This strategic position led the Romans to found a substantial Mountain), on the foundations
settlement called Lentia on the site. Since the 15th century, of an earlier structure. The castle
Linz has been the capital of Upper Austria. A major industrial acquired its present shape
centre, it is also a hub of culture with numerous galleries, between 1600 and 1607, and its
museums, and the futurist Ars Electronica Center. The composer distinctive silhouette has become
Anton Bruckner was also associated with Linz in his early career. one of the most famous sights in
Linz. Since 1966, this former
imperial residence has housed
a branch of the Oberöster-
reichisches Landesmuseum.
Exhibits include paintings and
sculptures from early medieval
times to the 19th century and the
Secession, 12th–18th-century
arms, 16th–19th-century musical
instruments, furniture and
handicrafts, golden, ceramic and
glass objects, and a permanent
archaeological exhibition. Part
of the museum is devoted to
folk traditions; there’s a recon-
structed physics labo ratory from
the Jesuit school in Linz and the
Schloss Weinberg pharmacy
A birds-eye view of the town on the banks of the Danube (c.1700). From the castle, there
are superb views over Linz.
Exploring Linz from the 8th century. There
The town of Linz sprawls across was an older Roman wall on P Landhaus
both banks of the Danube, the same site, and ten Roman Theatergasse 1. Tel (0732) 77200.
with the historic old town on tombstones, together with The regional government is
the right (south) bank, in the other ancient stones, were based in a Renaissance palace
bend of the river. The vast used as building material to built on the site of a former
Hauptplatz is regarded as one erect the church. The interior Minorite monastery. Its north
of Austria’s most beautiful also dates from the Carolingian portal, from Klosterstrasse, is a
architectural complexes. It is period, the only later addition beautiful marble work by
also worth taking a trip to a being the Neo-Gothic Renaissance artists. The inner
nearby hill, the Pöstlingberg, presbytery. The rainbow arch courtyard is surrounded by a
from where there are splendid that separates the nave from colonnade. Here you will find
views over the town and river. the presbytery and the north Planetenbrunnen (Fountain
The Ars Electronica Center is wall of the church are adorned of the Planets), built to com-
situated on the left (north) with 15th-century frescoes of memorate the outstanding
bank of the Danube. the Virgin Mary on a throne. astro nomer and mathematician
Much of the interior can Johannes Kepler who stayed
R Martinskirche only be seen with a guide. in Linz and lectured at the
Römerstrasse/Martinsgasse. college, then based in the
Tel (0732) 777454. Landhaus, for 14 years (1612–
A modest façade hides 26). The seven figures on the
Austria’s oldest surviving fountain’s bronze plinth show
church, dedicated to the planets known at the time.
St Martin. It was first Close by is the
mentioned in the 8th Minoritenkirche, a former
century, during the times of Minorite Church, the
Charlemagne, as part of the earliest docu mented
Carolingians’ former royal record of which is in
residence. The Gothic the town chronicles of
windows and portals date The tiny Martinskirche, Austria’s oldest church 1288. Altered in the
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp296–7 and pp320–21

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.1)
Date 5th December 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm