Alter Dom

About

The Alter Dom, officially the Ignatiuskirche, is one of Linz’s most atmospheric Baroque landmarks. Built in the late 17th century for the Jesuit order, it stands out with its twin towers and warm, sculpted façade that introduces the exuberant style found inside. For decades it served as the city’s cathedral, giving it a central role in Linz’s religious and cultural life. Inside, the church reveals a richly decorated Baroque interior filled with swirling stucco, gilded details, and expressive altarpieces. The high altar, with its dramatic interplay of light and shadow, is a highlight of Austrian Baroque craftsmanship. Side chapels contain devotional paintings and sculptures that reflect the Jesuits’ emphasis on emotional, immersive spirituality. One of the most fascinating facts is the church’s connection to Anton Bruckner, who served here as cathedral organist from 1855 to 1868. The organ he played — still preserved and regularly used — gives visitors a direct link to the composer’s early musical world. Concerts and rehearsals often fill the nave with resonant sound, adding a living dimension to the historic space.

Linz Austria

Location

The Alter Dom (Old Cathedral), also called the Ignatiuskirche or Jesuitenkirche, is located at Domgasse 3 in the heart of Linz’s Innenstadt (city center), right at the southern end of the Hauptplatz (Main Square) next to the former Jesuit College. It is a Roman Catholic Baroque church built by the Jesuits between 1669 and 1683 to plans by Pietro Francesco Carlone, and it served as Linz’s bishop’s church for about 125 years until the New Cathedral took over that role. The cathedral is easily reached on foot from the Hauptplatz: walk south along Domgasse and the church appears on your left within a few minutes. From Linz main station, take tram line 1 or 2 to Hauptplatz and walk 5 minutes. It is open daily with mass times throughout the week, and the organ, originally modified for Anton Bruckner, still sounds as it did in his time. Near the Alter Dom, you can see many of Linz’s most important attractions. The Hauptplatz with its ornate Baroque buildings, the Old Town Hall, the Landhaus (seat of Upper Austrian government), the Bishop’s Residence, and the New Cathedral (Mariendom) are all just a short walk away. The Danube promenade, Donaupark, Brucknerhaus concert hall, Lentos Art Museum, Ars Electronica Center, and the Ursuline Church are also within easy reach, making the Alter Dom a perfect starting point for a cultural walk through Linz’s historic center and riverside.