Alter Dom (Old Cathedral), Linz
Facade of the Alter Dom of Linz. Photo
Michael Kranewitter.
Nave, looking towards the altar. Photo
Michael Kranewitter. 
The Bruckner organ in the west gallery. Public domain photo.
Choir stalls. Photo
Anneli Salo.Although it is no longer the cathedral of Linz, the Ignatiuskirche is still known as the Alter Dom and is the largest Baroque church in the city.
History
Constructed by the Jesuits in 1669-78 and designed by Pietro Francesco Carlone, the church was dedicated to St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit order.
The Ignatiuskirche became the cathedral (Dom) of Linz in 1785 and fulfilled that role until 1909. Famed composer Anton Bruckner was the cathedral organist for over a decade (1856-1868).
What to See
The Alter Dom has a fairly simple exterior with onion-dome-topped twin towers. The interior has the usual Baroque excesses - pink marble columns, intricately carved pulpit, lots of statues. The high altar by by Colomba and Barberini overflows with marble sculptures; the altar painting is by Antonio Bellucci. The carved choir stalls are from the former monastery in Garsten.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Alter Dom (Old Cathedral); Ignatiuskirche (Church of St. Ignatius) |
| Faith: | Roman Catholic (Jesuit order) |
| Location: | Domgasse 3, Linz, Austria |
| Phone: | 0732/76-10-31-51 |
| Website: | www.dioezese-linz.at www.linz.at/english/Tourism/1122.asp |
| E-mail: | tourist.info@linz.at |
| Bus: | 33 |
| Hours: | Daily 7-7 |
| Mass: | Mon-Sat 7.30am, 9am; Sunday 7.30am, 9.30am |
| Cost: | Free |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Alter Dom. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around.
Sources
- Darwin Porter, Frommer's Austria.
- Old Cathedral - "Ignatiuskirche" - Linz Tourism
