Linzer Hauptplatz

The Linzer Hauptplatz is the city center of Linz and, with 13,140 m2, one of Austria’s largest enclosed squares.It is only separated from the Danube by a road and the bridgehead structures.The main square has witnessed many events and changes throughout the centuries, and it is home to some of the most remarkable buildings and monuments in Linz.

The Origins and Development of the Main Square

The Linzer Hauptplatz was not always the center of the city. In fact, the original settlement of Linz was located on the south bank of the Danube, where the castle hill and the old cathedral are today. It was not until the 13th century that the city expanded to the north bank of the river, under the rule of the Babenberg dukes. In 1207, a new city plan was drawn out, which included a city wall, a main square, and a city parish church. The main square was designed to be the focal point of the city, where trade, commerce, and civic life would take place. The dimensions of the square were carefully calculated, based on the ancient unit of measurement called the fathom, which was equivalent to 1.83 meters in Linz. The square had a rectangular shape, with a length of 255 fathoms (466.65 meters) and a width of 145 fathoms (265.35 meters). The diagonal lengths of the square were 100 fathoms (183 meters), creating a 1:3 ratio. The square was oriented along the cardinal directions, with the city parish church at the east end and the Schmidttorturm, or the Smith’s Gate Tower, at the west end. The square was only separated from the Danube by a road and the bridgehead structures, which connected the city to the Nibelungen Bridge.

The main square was completed around 1230, and it soon became the hub of the city. The square hosted various markets and fairs, attracting merchants and craftsmen from near and far. The square also served as a venue for public gatherings, celebrations, and ceremonies. For example, in 1521, a grand tournament was held on the square to honor the wedding of Archduke Ferdinand and Anna of Hungary, which took place in Linz. The square also witnessed some darker events, such as executions and punishments, which were carried out at the pillory, a wooden post with iron rings, that stood on the square until 1716.

The main square has undergone several changes and renovations over the years, reflecting the political and social shifts in the city. One of the most noticeable changes was the renaming of the square, which happened at least eight times in its history. The original name of the square was At the market, which was first recorded in 1338. Later, the square was called Heubühel, or Hay Hill, in 1439, referring to the north side of the square, where hay was stored and sold. The name Am Platz, or At the Place, appeared in the 15th century, followed by Großer Platz, or Great Place, in the 16th century. The square was officially named Hauptplatz, or Main Place, in the early 19th century, but it was changed again in 1873, when it was dedicated to Emperor Franz Joseph I and called Franz-Josephs-Platz. After the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the establishment of the First Republic in 1918, the square was renamed November 12 Place, to commemorate the date of the proclamation of the republic. However, this name did not last long, as the square was renamed again in 1934, under the Austrofascist regime, to Franz-Joseph-Platz. The final and most controversial renaming occurred in 1938, after the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany, when the square was named Adolf-Hitler-Platz. This name was abolished in 1945, after the liberation of Austria by the Allied forces, and the square was restored to its original name of Hauptplatz.

Another major change that affected the main square was the demolition of some of the buildings and structures that surrounded it. The most significant of these was the Schmidttorturm, the tower that marked the west entrance of the square and the city. The tower was built in the 13th century and was part of the city wall. It was also used as a prison and a watchtower. The tower was demolished in 1828, to make way for the construction of the first Nibelungen Bridge, which connected Linz to the south bank of the Danube. Another building that was removed from the square was the ancient water pharmacy, which was located at the east end of the square, near the city parish church. The water pharmacy was a historic building that dated back to the 15th century and was owned by several notable figures, including Nikolaus Johann van Beethoven, the younger brother of the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The water pharmacy was demolished in 1872, to allow the expansion of the access to the new Danube bridge. The water pharmacy was relocated to one of the bridgehead structures, which were built in 1947, after the destruction of the original bridgehead buildings during World War II.

The Architecture and Significance of the Main Square

The Linzer Hauptplatz is not only a historical site, but also an architectural showcase, as it features some of the most impressive and diverse buildings and monuments in Linz. The buildings that surround the square represent different styles and periods, ranging from Gothic to Baroque to Modern. The buildings also have different functions and purposes, such as civic, religious, commercial, and cultural. The main square is a testament to the development and transformation of the city, as well as the creativity and skill of the architects and builders who shaped it.

One of the most prominent and oldest buildings on the main square is the city parish church, or the Alter Dom, which stands at the east end of the square. The church was built in the 13th century, as part of the new city plan, and it was dedicated to St. Mary. The church has a Gothic style, with a nave, two aisles, a transept, and a polygonal choir. The church also has a tower, which was added in the 15th century and is 68 meters high. The church has undergone several modifications and restorations over the years, especially after the damage caused by the city fires and the wars. The church has a rich interior, with many artworks and decorations, such as altars, paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows. The church also has a famous organ, which was built in 1717 and was played by several renowned musicians, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Anton Bruckner. The church is still an active place of worship, as well as a cultural and musical venue.

Another important and historic building on the main square is the town hall, or the Rathaus, which is located on the north side of the square. The town hall was built between 1513 and 1514, presumably to replace a previous building that was destroyed in the 1509 city fire. The town hall has a Renaissance style, with a three-story facade, a gabled roof, and a clock tower. The town hall also has a courtyard, which is surrounded by arcades and galleries. The town hall has been the seat of the city administration and the mayor since its construction, and it also hosts various events and ceremonies. The town hall also houses the LinzGenesis City Museum, which displays the history and culture of Linz from the prehistoric times to the present day.

One of the most interesting and unique buildings on the main square is the Feichtinger House, which is located on the south side of the square. The Feichtinger House was built in the 17th century and has a Baroque style, with a curved facade, a mansard roof, and a balcony. The Feichtinger House is famous for its carillon, which is a musical instrument consisting of a set of bells that are played by a keyboard. The carillon was installed in 1931 and has 37 bells, which play different melodies every hour. The carillon also has a mechanical clock, which shows the time and the date, as well as a rotating display of figures, which depict scenes from the history and legends of Linz. The carillon is one of the attractions and landmarks of the main square, and it attracts many visitors and listeners.

One of the most modern and award-winning buildings on the main square is the Schmidtberger House, which is located on the west side of the square. The Schmidtberger House was built in 2011, as part of the renovation and conversion of an old bank building. The Schmidtberger House has a contemporary style, with a glass facade, a flat roof, and a cantilevered structure. The Schmidtberger House is a mixed-use building, which contains offices, apartments, and a restaurant. The Schmidtberger House was designed by the architects Caramel and Kaufmann & Partner, and it was awarded the Austrian Builders’ Prize in 2011, for its innovative and sustainable design.

One of the most recent and prominent buildings on the main square are the bridgehead buildings, which are located at the west end of the square, near the Nibelungen Bridge. The bridgehead buildings were built in 1947, after the original bridgehead buildings were destroyed during World War II. The bridgehead buildings have a monumental style, with broad granite staircases and L-shaped arcades. The bridgehead buildings are the two youngest buildings on the main square, having been started in the course of the construction of the Nibelungen Bridge after 1938 but only completed in 1947. Until 2009, the Linz tax office was based in the right-hand bridgehead building (East finance building), but it was relocated to an office tower near the railway station. The building on the left (finance building west) holds a branch of Linz Art University as well as a pharmacy. Both buildings featured paternoster elevators (the only ones in Upper Austria in 1965), but when the Art University moved in around 1980, the one in the west building was decommissioned. The bridgehead buildings are not only functional, but also symbolic, as they represent the connection and the transition between the old and the new city, as well as the past and the present.

The Trinity Column

One of the most striking features of the Linzer Hauptplatz is the Trinity Column, or the Dreifaltigkeitssäule, which stands in the center of the square. The column is one of the city’s icons and a symbol of its resilience and gratitude.

The column was erected by Sebastian Stumpfegger, a Salzburg stonemason, on the site of the previous pillory between 1717 and 1723. The column is made of white marble and is 20 meters high. It is topped by a golden crown and a statue of the Holy Trinity, surrounded by angels and saints.

The column’s construction was motivated by the averted threat of war (1704), a blaze that was survived (1712), and the conclusion of a plague outbreak (1713). The column was intended to express the city’s thanksgiving to God for sparing it from these calamities and to invoke his protection for the future.

The column is also a testament to the artistic and architectural achievements of the baroque era, as well as the political and religious aspirations of the Habsburg monarchy, which ruled over Linz at the time.

The Underground Bunkers and Car Park

Another interesting aspect of the Linzer Hauptplatz is what lies beneath it. During World War II, the square was the target of several air raids, which damaged many of the buildings and monuments. To protect the civilians and the infrastructure, the city built massive bunkers under the square, which could accommodate up to 10,000 people.

The bunkers were equipped with ventilation, electricity, water, toilets, and emergency exits. They also contained rooms for medical care, administration, and communication. The bunkers were used until the end of the war and then sealed off.

In 1988, the city decided to reopen the bunkers and convert them into an underground car park, which was a pioneering project at the time. The car park has 377 parking places and is accessed and exited by two portals on the bridge ramp to the Obere Donaulände, the upper Danube promenade.

The car park is not only a convenient facility for drivers, but also a historical and cultural attraction. The car park preserves some of the original features of the bunkers, such as the walls, the doors, and the signs. It also displays information panels, photos, and artifacts that tell the story of the bunkers and the war.

The Markets and Events

The Linzer Hauptplatz is not only a place of historical and architectural significance, but also a lively and vibrant spot for social and cultural activities. Every Friday morning, the farmer’s market, or the Bauernmarkt, is held on the main square, where local farmers and producers sell their fresh and organic products, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, honey, and flowers.

Every Saturday morning, the flea market, or the Flohmarkt, is held on the main square, where bargain hunters and collectors can find a variety of items, such as books, clothes, jewelry, antiques, and curiosities.

The square also hosts various events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and celebrations. One of the most popular events is the Christmas market, or the Christkindlmarkt, which takes place from late November to December 24. The square is transformed into a winter wonderland, with festive lights, decorations, and stalls that offer traditional crafts, gifts, and delicacies.

The Linzer Hauptplatz is a must-see destination for anyone who visits Linz. It is a place that reflects the city’s past, present, and future, and offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, art, culture, or shopping, you will find it on the main square.

The Main Square Today

The Linzer Hauptplatz is not only a historical and architectural treasure, but also a lively and vibrant place, where people can enjoy various activities and events. The main square is still the center of the city, where many shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars are located. The main square is also a cultural and social hub, where many festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and markets are held throughout the year. Some of the most popular and famous events that take place on the main square are the Linz Festival, the Christmas Market, the Ars Electronica Festival, and the Linz Marathon. The main square is also a place of civic engagement and participation, where people can express their opinions and voice their concerns. The main square is also a place of innovation and creativity, where new ideas and projects are developed and implemented. The main square is always evolving and adapting to the changing needs and expectations of the city and its inhabitants.

The Linzer Hauptplatz is not only a reflection of the past, but also a vision of the future. The main square is constantly undergoing improvements and renovations, to make it more attractive, accessible, and sustainable. Some of the recent and planned projects that aim to enhance the quality and functionality of the main square are the installation of a new lighting system, the expansion of the pedestrian zone, the creation of more green spaces, and the introduction of smart technologies. The main square is also a platform for experimentation and exploration, where new concepts and solutions are tested and evaluated. The main square is always open and inviting, to new challenges and opportunities.

The Linzer Hauptplatz is more than just a square, it is a symbol and a soul of the city. The main square is a place where history and culture, tradition and modernity, art and science, meet and mingle. The main square is a place where people can experience and enjoy the diversity and richness of Linz. The main square is a place where people can connect and communicate, learn and grow, celebrate and inspire.

Linz, Austria