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Exterior view of the Martinskirche. Photo licensed under GFDL.
Nave of the ancient Martinskirche. Photo © ArtServe.
Outer wall of the Martinskirche. Photo © ArtServe.
Approximate location of the Martinskirche. For a larger view,
see our Linz Map or Google Earth download.
The 8th-century Carolingian Martinskirche (Church of St. Martin) in Linz is considered the oldest church in Austria that still retains most of its original form.
History
The Martinskirche was constructed by Charlemagne in the 700s using part of an old Roman wall and materials from Roman buildings. The first written record of it dates from 799.
In the 11th century, the chuch was redesigned and the pillar arches were filled in. Later alterations include Romanesque and Gothic arches and a Gothic choir. The historic monument was restored in 1948.
What to See
The remains of the Roman wall can be seen both inside and outside the church. The interior of St. Martin's Church has remnants of 14th- and 15th-century frescoes, some Baroque artwork, and Roman tomb inscriptions. The choir is 15th-century Gothic.
Quick Facts
| Dates: | After 788 AD (Carolingian period) |
| Location: | Römerstrasse, Linz, Austria (10-minute walk west of Hauptplatz; connected with the Linzer Schloss by a covered passageway) |
| Phone: | +43 (0)732/7774-54 (Martinskirche); +43 (0)732/7070-1777 (Linz Tourist Office) |
| E-mail: | tourist.info@linz.at |
| Bus: | 33 |
| Hours: | St. Martin's Church is not open to the public, but it can be visited as part of official tours by the Linz tourist office. If you arrive independently, you can view the interior through a glass door. |
| Cost: | Free as part of guided tour |
| Mass: | Wednesday 8.30am, Sunday 8.15am |
Sources
- Darwin Porter, Frommer's Austria.
- St. Martin's Church - Linz Tourism
- Martinskirche (Linz) - German Wikipedia
