Streets And Squares In Linz
The city of Linz in Upper Austria is proud of its artistic and cultural heritage. Numerous sights and landmarks that highlight the rich architectural and historical significance of Linz abound in its old core. Located next to the beautiful Danube River, it offers an enchanting encounter. Hauptplatz, the city’s central square and among the largest indoor squares in Europe, is among the key attractions. Among the notable buildings around the Hauptplatz are the Old Town Hall, the Trinity Column, the Linz University of Art and Industrial Design and the Feichtinger-Haus including its well-known Glockenspiel.
Famous among residents and visitors alike, Linz’s Landstraße is the city’s main shopping street, and from Hauptplatz to the Blumau intersection, Landstraße has a wide variety of shops, cafés and restaurants catering to the needs of residents and visitors alike. Many significant sites in the Landstraße were very important in shaping the city’s vibrant history. This includes the church of St. Martin, Mozart’s house, Landhaus, Kremsmünstererhaus. Together, they create a natural component of the city’s rich historical tapestry.
Famous for its excellent architecture, Linz’s streets and squares provide a backdrop for various events and markets that enhance the city’s cultural value. Whether touring the old Hauptplatz or shopping along the Landstraße, visitors to Linz will be enthralled by the city’s beauty and appeal.
Landstrasse
Known as Linz’s main shopping area and among the busiest streets in Austria, Linzer Landstraße is located in the middle of the city center district. Designed to accommodate Linz trams along its entire length, this 1.3 kilometer stretch of road extends from the Taubenmarkt to the Westbahn underpass.
The route of the street can be found throughout history, from the 13th century, when records indicate the presence of a road parallel to the current national road. The district was divided into four parts in 1730 and, in the 19th century, important sites such as the Carmelite Church defined its boundaries. Linzer Landstraße became Upper Austria’s first pedestrian zone on November 26, 1977, increasing its attractiveness for both individuals and businesses.
Known for its lively environment and wide range of shops, Landstrasse is a very famous shopping avenue in Linz. From the main square (Hauptplatz) to Blumauerplatz, the area offers a wide range of shops, cafes, restaurants and services. A pedestrian zone, Landstrasse is ideal for a leisurely stroll and to fully appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
With a rich tapestry of history and stunning architecture, Landstrasse is a hive of commercial activity. Many of the buildings on the street have a remarkable historical past and a striking facade. Sights include the Landhaus, the Feichtinger-Haus, the University of Arts and Industrial Design and the Old Town Hall. Impressive architectural features like a Renaissance courtyard and a Baroque tower abound at the Landhaus. The provincial government has its headquarters there.
From the Linz Festival to the Christmas Market and the Pflasterspektakel, Landstrasse offers numerous events and celebrations throughout the year, including the Ars Electronica festival.
Taubenmarkt
Connecting the Hauptplatz, the central square, with the Landstraße, the main shopping route, the Taubenmarkt is Linz’s bustling square that acts as a dynamic hub. Derived from the historical habit of holding a regular poultry market until 1880, the name Taubenmarkt, meaning “pigeon market”,
Shopping, dining and experiencing the rich artistic and historical ambience of the Taubenmarkt are highly valued activities. Hermann Krackowizer created the exquisite marble fountain known as the Sparkassenbrunnen in 1892 for the local bank Sparkasse Oberösterreich right in the middle of the square in 1979, and the fountain contains four allegorical images representing the four seasons.
Rising atop the Taubenmarkt, the Palais Weißenwolff is a magnificent historical monument. Prolific merchant Johann Michael Prunner built this baroque house in 1715. Later owners of the palace were the aristocratic Weißenwolff family, who entertained many distinguished visitors, including Schubert, Beethoven and Mozart, the prestigious art gallery Galerie Wurm, which displays innovative works by talented artists. from all over the world, today call this palace home.
With several tram and bus lines stopping at Taubenmarkt, the place is convenient for public transport. Pedestrians, cyclists and visitors who appreciate the energetic environment and wide range of shops and restaurants use the square. At Taubenmarkt, the highly regarded Linzerie is known for its diverse menu of delicious cuisine, which includes regional favorites and foreign cuisines, Linzerie is planning a Winterfest—a merry celebration with music, lights and festive decorations.
Linzer Hauptplatz
Covering an astonishing 13,140 square meters, Linzer Hauptplatz is a major enclosed square in Austria located in the heart of Linz. Having a history dating back to the town’s founding survey in 1207, this area has seen many name changes over the ages. It finally landed on the Hauptplatz in the 19th century.
From colorful fairs to exciting competitions and sad executions, the Hauptplatz has hosted many events during its storied past. Notable buildings around the square, including the Feichtinger House with its well-known carillon and the Old Town Hall, which still houses the mayor’s office.
The bridgehead structures were completed in 1947 following the development of the Nibelungen Bridge in the 1930s. Among the many businesses housed in these buildings were a pharmacy and the Linz University of the Arts branch.
Built between 1717 and 1723, the important monument known as the Trinity Column stands on Hauptplatz. It pays tribute to the city’s tenacity against plague, fires and conflicts. There are also large World War II bunkers beneath the square. Additionally, in 1988, an underground parking lot was built to meet demand.
Frequent events such as the flea market on Saturdays and the farmers’ market on Fridays add to the lively environment of the Hauptplatz, transforming the center into the heart of Linz.
