Linz history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Linz is rooted in deep antiquity. Initially, a Celtic settlement known as "Lentos" existed at this location, meaning "flexible" or "curved," likely due to the bend of the Danube River. Later, in the 1st century AD, the Romans recognised the strategic importance of this point and established a fortified camp called Lentia here to protect the empire's borders. The first written mention of the city under its modern name "Linz" dates back to the year 799 in connection with the transfer of the local church to the Bishop of Passau.

Key Factors of Development

Linz owes its growth and development to several key factors that defined its significance in the Middle Ages and subsequent eras:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the banks of the Danube, Europe's most vital waterway, transformed the city into a natural transport and trade hub.
• Trade Routes: Linz became a crossroads for important overland trade routes connecting Bohemia and Poland with southern regions, as well as western and eastern lands.
• Political Centre: In the 15th century, the city reached the peak of its political influence when Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III made Linz his residence. For several years, the city effectively became the capital of the empire, which contributed to its economic and cultural flourishing.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Middle Ages, Linz prospered as a centre of trade and craftsmanship. The city received market rights, which strengthened its economic status. Craft guilds developed here, and revenues from the trade of salt, iron, and textiles contributed to the construction of stone buildings, churches, and fortifications. The city's political and economic importance attracted nobility and scholars, laying the foundation for its future cultural development.

Key Milestones in the History of Linz

Linz, a city with a rich past, has come a long way from a Roman outpost to a modern cultural and technological centre. Here are the main events that shaped its history.

• 15 BC — The Romans establish the fortified camp of Lentia on the site of the Celtic settlement Lentos to guard the empire's borders.
• 799 — The city is first mentioned in documents under the name "Linz" in connection with St. Martin's Church, which is considered the oldest preserved church in Austria.
• 1260 — Linz receives the status of the capital of the region known today as Upper Austria.
• 1489–1493 — Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III chooses Linz as his residence, and for several years the city effectively becomes the centre of a vast empire.
• 1497 — Construction of the first bridge across the Danube is completed, connecting the two parts of the city and strengthening its commercial importance.
• 1612–1626 — The distinguished astronomer and mathematician Johannes Kepler lives and works in the city; his discoveries had a profound impact on the development of science.
• 1785 — Linz becomes the centre of a diocese, which elevates its religious and administrative status.
• 1832 — A horse-drawn railway opens, connecting Linz with the Czech city of České Budějovice — the first on the European continent.
• 1919 — The town of Urfahr on the northern bank of the Danube officially becomes part of Linz, significantly expanding its territory.
• 1966 — The University of Social and Economic Sciences is founded, which would later be named after Johannes Kepler.
• 1979 — The "Ars Electronica" festival is held for the first time, eventually transforming Linz into one of the world's centres for digital art.
• 2009 — Linz is awarded the title of "European Capital of Culture," highlighting its rich cultural heritage and modern development.

Stages of Transformation: From Trade Hub to Cultural Hub

The history of Linz is a story of constant transformation. The city has repeatedly changed its appearance and economic profile, journeying from a medieval trading centre to a modern leader in culture and technology. Here are the key stages that defined its development:

• Imperial Residence (1489–1493): A brief but important period when Emperor Frederick III made Linz the centre of the Holy Roman Empire. This led to the construction of the castle (Linzer Schloss) and strengthened the city's political status, attracting investment and nobility.
• Scientific Breakthrough (1612–1626): The residence of astronomer Johannes Kepler in Linz became a landmark cultural event. Here he formulated his third law of planetary motion, inscribing the city into the global history of science and laying the groundwork for its future image as a centre of knowledge.
• Transport Revolution (1832): The opening of the first horse-drawn railway on the European continent, connecting Linz to České Budějovice, gave a powerful boost to the economy. This solidified the city's position as a key logistical and trade hub between the Danube and Bohemia.
• Era of Industrialisation (19th-20th centuries): The development of the metallurgical and steel industry, especially after the founding of the VÖEST plant (today voestalpine AG), turned Linz into one of Austria's most important industrial centres. This defined the city's economy and social structure for decades to come, earning it the nickname "Steel City" (Stahlstadt).
• University Foundation (1966): The creation of the Johannes Kepler University marked the beginning of the transition from an industrial economy to a knowledge economy. The university became a centre for research and education, attracting young professionals to the city.
• Cultural Rebirth (1970s – 1980s): In response to its industrial image, Linz began actively investing in culture. The opening of the Brucknerhaus concert hall (1974) and the launch of the digital art festival Ars Electronica (1979) were turning points that laid the foundation for a new cultural identity.
• "European Capital of Culture" (2009): This prestigious title was the culmination of years of effort to transform the city. It attracted international attention and stimulated the construction of new iconic landmarks, such as the Lentos Art Museum and the new Ars Electronica Center, definitively securing Linz's status as a modern cultural metropolis.

The architectural appearance of Linz is a fascinating journey through the centuries, reflecting its transformation from a Roman camp and medieval trading town into a modern centre of culture and technology. Each era has left its mark on the urban fabric, creating an eclectic yet harmonious ensemble.

The Middle Ages and Gothic

The heart of the city — the Old Town (Altstadt) with its main square Hauptplatz — has preserved its medieval layout. Although many buildings were later reconstructed, the foundation remains the same. A striking representative of the Gothic style is the New Cathedral (Mariendom), the construction of which began in 1862. It is the largest church in Austria by capacity, built in the French Gothic style, featuring impressive stained glass windows and a tall spire that dominates the city skyline. Gothic elements can also be found in the city's oldest church — St. Martin's Church, the history of which dates back to the 8th century.

Renaissance and Baroque

The era of Linz's prosperity as a trade and administrative centre is reflected in its opulent Baroque architecture. Many buildings on the main square and in the surrounding streets received new facades in this style. A key example is the Old Cathedral (Alter Dom), a former Jesuit church built in the 17th century. Its austere facade conceals a richly decorated interior characteristic of the early Baroque. The Landhaus building, where the government of Upper Austria sits, combines Renaissance features in its inner courtyard with Baroque elements.

Classicism and the Industrial Era

The 19th century brought industrialisation, which radically changed the city. The construction of the railway and the growth of industrial enterprises led to the expansion of the city beyond its historical walls. Classicism and Historicism prevailed in the architecture of this period. Austere administrative buildings, residential houses for the bourgeoisie, and working-class districts appeared. The architecture of this time was more functional but retained the elegance characteristic of the era.

Modernism and Contemporary

The 20th and 21st centuries marked a bold move forward for Linz. Post-war reconstruction and economic growth allowed for the realisation of ambitious projects. Modern buildings on the banks of the Danube have become true symbols of the city's transformation. The Lentos Art Museum (Lentos Kunstmuseum), opened in 2003, is a 130-metre glass and concrete building that is illuminated in various colours at night. Opposite it, on the other bank, rises the futuristic Ars Electronica Center — the "Museum of the Future." Its facade consists of 1,100 glass panels with LED lighting, allowing the building to constantly change its appearance. These two structures symbolise Linz's new identity as a European hub for media art and technology.

Famous Personalities of Linz

Linz, a city with a rich history, has been a home and place of inspiration for many prominent figures in science, art, and politics. Their contributions have left a significant mark not only on the history of the city but on the entire world.

• Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) — The great German mathematician and astronomer, a key figure of the scientific revolution of the 17th century. He lived in Linz for 14 years (1612–1626), and it was here, in 1618, that he formulated his third law of planetary motion, which he published in the treatise "Harmonices Mundi" (The Harmony of the World). The local university is named in his honour.
• Emperor Frederick III (1415–1493) — Ruler of the Holy Roman Empire from the Habsburg dynasty. Towards the end of his reign, he made Linz his residence, and from 1489 to 1493, the city was effectively the capital of the empire. Frederick III passed away in the Linz Castle; his heart and internal organs were interred in the city parish church.
• Anton Bruckner (1824–1896) — One of the greatest Austrian composers and organists of the Romantic era. Born near Linz, he spent a significant part of his life in the city, working as an organist at the Old Cathedral. His symphonies and sacred music have received worldwide acclaim, and the city's main concert hall, the Brucknerhaus, bears his name.
• Adalbert Stifter (1805–1868) — A renowned Austrian writer, painter, and educator, a prominent representative of the Biedermeier style. He lived and worked in Linz for many years, serving as an inspector of elementary schools in Upper Austria. His literary works and paintings had a major influence on the region's culture.
• Richard Tauber (1891–1948) — A world-famous Austrian opera and operetta tenor and composer. Born in Linz, he became famous for his unique lyrical voice and artistry, becoming one of the main stars of the musical stage in the first half of the 20th century.
• VALIE EXPORT (born 1940) — A contemporary Austrian artist, a pioneer in media art, performance, and cinema. Born in Linz, she became one of the most influential and provocative figures in European avant-garde art in the second half of the 20th century.
• Parov Stelar (Marcus Füreder, born 1974) — An Austrian musician, DJ, and producer born in Linz. He is considered the founder of the "electro-swing" musical genre, which combines elements of jazz and swing with modern electronic music. His work has achieved international recognition.