Linzer Landhaus

Linzer Landhaus, impressive building, which dates back to the 16th century, serves as the seat of the Upper Austrian state parliament and hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year. The Linzer Landhaus has a rich and fascinating history, as well as a unique architectural style that reflects the different eras and influences that shaped it.

The Origins of the Linzer Landhaus

The Linzer Landhaus was built by the Upper Austrian estates, a group of nobles, clergy, and townspeople who had political and economic power in the region. They bought the land in 1563, where the old Minorite Monastery stood, and commissioned the Italian architects Christopher Canevale and Hans Canaval to design the building. The construction began in 1568 and lasted for 90 years, involving the skilled stonemasons Caspar Toretto and Peter Guet.

The Linzer Landhaus was intended to serve as the administrative and representative center of the Upper Austrian estates, as well as a place for education and culture. From 1574 to 1629, the building housed the Protestant Landscape School, which was one of the most prestigious schools in Europe at the time. It attracted many renowned scholars, such as the astronomer Johannes Kepler, who taught mathematics and astronomy there. The school also had a library, a printing press, and a scientific observatory.

However, the Protestant Landscape School was closed in 1629, when the Catholic Counter-Reformation regained control over Upper Austria. The Linzer Landhaus became the scene of religious conflicts and wars, such as the Peasants’ War in 1626 and the Thirty Years’ War in 1618-1648. The building suffered damages and plundering, and its original Renaissance style was altered by Baroque and Rococo additions.

The Restoration and Modernization of the Linzer Landhaus

The Linzer Landhaus faced another major challenge in 1800, when a fire broke out from the nearby Linz Castle and spread to the building. The fire destroyed most of the interior and exterior decorations, as well as the roof and the tower. The reconstruction was led by the architect Ferdinand Mayr, who gave the building a classicist façade and a new dome. He also removed the moat, ramparts, and city wall that surrounded the building, and created a promenade along the Danube river, which became a popular spot for leisure and recreation.

The Linzer Landhaus became the seat of the Upper Austrian state parliament in 1861, when the first democratic elections were held in the region. The building underwent further modifications to accommodate the new function, such as the creation of a spacious and elegant meeting hall by the master builder Johann Metz. The hall was decorated by the painter Friedrich Scheck in a neo-rococo style, featuring portraits of famous Upper Austrians, such as the composer Anton Bruckner and the poet Adalbert Stifter.

The Linzer Landhaus was renovated and modernized again from 2006 to 2009, in preparation for Linz’s Capital of Culture year in 2009. The project cost 11.8 million euros and aimed to improve the accessibility, security, and energy efficiency of the building. A new citizen service center was also established in the entrance area, where people can submit applications and receive assistance from the staff.

The Attractions of the Linzer Landhaus

The Linzer Landhaus is not only a political and administrative building, but also a cultural and tourist attraction. The building has three inner courtyards, each with a different character and function. The first courtyard, which is the oldest and largest, hosts concerts and festivals, such as the Linzer Klangwolke and the Ars Electronica Festival. The second courtyard, which is the smallest and most secluded, is a quiet and romantic place, with a fountain and a rose garden. The third courtyard, which is the newest and most modern, is a bright and open space, with a glass roof and a café.

The building also has a gateway that connects the promenade to the Klostergasse, a street that leads to the old town of Linz. The gateway is one of the most remarkable Renaissance gateways in Austria, made of red marble and adorned with sculptures and reliefs. The gateway has two entrances, one on the north and one on the south. The north entrance has the coat of arms of the Upper Austrian estates, while the south entrance has the coat of arms of the state of Upper Austria.

The Linzer Landhaus is surrounded by parks and gardens, which offer a green and relaxing environment for the visitors. The promenade, which runs along the Danube river, has several monuments and statues, such as the Fadinger column, which commemorates the leader of the Peasants’ War, the Hesse monument, which honors the writer Hermann Hesse, and the Adalbert Stifter monument, which celebrates the poet and novelist.

The Linzer Landhaus is a must-see for anyone who visits Linz, as it showcases the history and culture of the city and the region. The building is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 to 16:00, and offers guided tours and exhibitions. The Linzer Landhaus is a place where the past and the present, the tradition and the innovation, the art and the politics, meet and interact. It is a place that reflects the identity and the diversity of Linz and Upper Austria.

Linz, Austria