Linz: Capital of culture, home of history
21st September 2007
The Austrian city of Linz offers visitors a striking contrast between modernity and history. Unlike other cities in the country such as Salzburg, Linz is undeniably industrial and bears the hallmarks of a city with both eyes constantly on progress. Nevertheless, it has not turned its back on its past, with much of the cities glories standing strong for centuries.
Dissected by the river Danube, Linz has been a coveted strategic point through the centuries. Held in high esteem by the Holy Roman and Habsburg empires, it was also targeted by allied forces during the second world war. However, the city has retained its strength to become a focal point of modern culture.
In 2009, Linz will follow Liverpool as European Capital of Culture, an honour which can largely be attributed to international events such as the Ars Electronica Festival and the Klangwolke, or sound cloud. But visitors do not have to wait for these events to come around to sample the air of modern culture in Linz - the Ars Electronica centre can be visited all year round, as can the wonderfully lit Lentos Art Museum.
And yet, much of the pre-industrial beauty of Linz remains intact. For example, a walk through the old town brings visitors to Linz Castle. First records of the castle date back to 799 and subsequent restorations have kept in place to this day. The castle now houses a museum featuring artefacts dating back to medieval times.
Linz is also home to a range of spectacular churches. The new cathedral on the Herrenstrasse is the largest, while St Matin's Church is the oldest in the whole of Austria. Pilgrims make their weary way to the landmark Pöstlingberg, which offers a bird's eye view of the city.
Into the city centre, a walk along the Landstrasse is the best way to capture the vibrancy of day-to-day Linz, leading you to the Main Square. Here, visitors are presented with one of the city's most iconic sights, Trinity Column. Carved from marble and completed in 1723, the column stands 20 metres high.
Why not take a short break in Linz?
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