New Cathedral, Linz

The New Cathedral, locally known as Mariä-Empfängnis-Dom, stands as a monumental testament to faith and architectural brilliance in Linz, Austria. This neo-Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral, often referred to simply as the Mariendom or New Cathedral, is not only the largest church in Austria by capacity but also a beacon of the city's rich historical and cultural tapestry.

The History of the New Cathedral

The inception of the New Cathedral dates back to 1855 when Bishop Franz Joseph Rudigier initiated its construction as a gesture of gratitude for the papal bull Ineffabilis Deus, which declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The foundation stone was laid on May 1, 1862, marking the beginning of a grand project that would span several decades. The cathedral was consecrated as the Church of the Virgin Mary on May 1, 1924, by Bishop Johannes Maria Gföllner, although its completion extended until 1935, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Diocese of Linz.

The New Cathedral's design was the brainchild of the Cologne diocesan architect Vincenz Statz. His vision leaned more towards the Belgian-Dutch high Gothic style rather than the French Gothic, drawing inspiration from structures like the Utrecht Cathedral. The construction saw contributions from several master builders, including Otto Schirmer, his son Franz Statz, and Matthäus Schlager, who played pivotal roles in bringing the cathedral to life.

Architectural Marvel

Occupying an address at Domplatz 1, the New Cathedral is an architectural marvel. Its tower, standing at 134.8 meters (approximately 442 feet), is just shy of the height of the St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna by a mere two meters, owing to a popular but unverified legend that no building in Austria-Hungary was allowed to surpass the height of the St. Stephen's Cathedral's south tower.

The cathedral's exterior stretches 130 meters in length, with a roof ridge height of 44 meters. The nave is 27.5 meters wide, while the transept spans 60 meters. The interior space is equally impressive, covering a floor area of 5,170 square meters with 142 windows, 54 columns, and 17 altars. The materials used in its construction are predominantly sourced from Austria, including Neuhauser granite for the supporting columns and sandstone from Altlengbach for the walls. The vaults are constructed from Wienerberger bricks, and the intricate ribbed vaults, window tracery, and column capitals are made from St. Margarethener limestone and Mannersdorfer stone.

Exploring the New Cathedral

Visitors to the New Cathedral are greeted by an array of stunning features and artworks. The cathedral's stained glass windows are particularly noteworthy, with the most famous being the Linzer Fenster (Linz Window), which depicts scenes from the history of Linz. These windows also feature the likenesses of various sponsors who contributed to the cathedral's construction.

The Bells and Organs

The New Cathedral boasts a remarkable set of nine bells. The two oldest, the Annaglocke and the Joachimsglocke, have been in place since September 29, 1869, and still hang in their original location between two buttress turrets of the Votive Chapel. The remaining seven bells, which form the main peal, are housed in the tower and collectively weigh 17,700 kilograms. When rung together, they produce the melodic motif of Salve Regina.

The cathedral is also home to two magnificent organs. The main organ, located on the west gallery, is a masterpiece crafted by the Danish organ builder Marcussen & Søn and was inaugurated on December 8, 1968. It features 70 registers and 5,890 pipes, offering a rich and resonant sound that fills the vast interior of the cathedral. The choir organ, built by the Vorarlberg organ-building firm Pflüger in 1989, complements the main organ and is used for liturgical purposes.

The Crypt and Memorials

Below the main floor of the cathedral lies the crypt, which serves as the final resting place for the bishops of Linz. The crypt also houses a cenotaph for Bishop Franz Joseph Rudigier and a collection of his vestments. One of the most enchanting features of the crypt is the nativity scene created by Sebastian Osterrieder between 1908 and 1913, featuring over forty hand-carved figures made from linden wood.

Modern Additions and Renovations

In recent years, the New Cathedral has undergone several renovations to preserve its grandeur and enhance its functionality. In 2017, the interior was refurbished at a cost of 1.2 million euros, which included relocating the altar to the crossing, modernizing the heating system, and re-laying parts of the flooring. Despite an unfortunate incident in 2018, where a worker accidentally dislodged a 3.4-meter-high stone finial during repair work, the cathedral continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and beauty.

Conclusion

The New Cathedral in Linz is not just a place of worship but a beacon of history, culture, and architectural splendor. Its towering presence, intricate details, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Linz. Whether you are drawn by its spiritual significance, its artistic beauty, or its historical importance, the New Cathedral promises an experience that is both enlightening and awe-inspiring.