Old Cathedral, Linz
The Roman Catholic Old Cathedral is a Church in the City Hall district of Upper Austria's capital Linz.
The cathedral, which was until the construction of St. Mary's Basilica ( New Cathedral ) known as Ignatius Church was built from 1669 to 1678. The architect is not known, but the plans the architect Pietro Francesco Carlone be attributed to the collaboration of Carlo Antonio Carlone. From 1785 to 1909 he was the episcopal church of the diocese of Linz. Since then, he has been replaced in this function by the New Cathedral, the Old Cathedral is managed by the Jesuit Order.
History
Initially, the cathedral was a Jesuit church. The foundation stone was laid in 1669 by David Fuhrman. After a construction period of just under 20 years, the building was consecrated in 1678 Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order.
The Cathedral has a single nave, but impresses with its spaciousness. In keeping with the architectural style of the Baroque, the interior is bright light and has lateral chapel niches. Above the entrance gate crest are the earls Starhemberg, White Wolf and Kuefstein.
1773 the Jesuit order was abolished, the church was then empty. Emperor Joseph II forced the diocese of Passau with an agreement dated July 4, 1784 to surrender their parishes in Upper Austria and founded the Diocese of Linz. After confirmation by papal bull on 28 January in 1785 by Pope Pius VI. Auxiliary Bishop of Passau Ernest Johann Nepomuk Graf Herber stone was used as the first Bishop of Linz. He chose the still unused church as a cathedral, instead of the first designated parish church.
Towards the end of the 19th century Linz had grown so strong that the place in the cathedral was no longer sufficient. Bishop Rudigier let out a new, larger cathedral building ( today's New Cathedral ). By 1909, the church was the cathedral of Linz, since it is called Old Cathedral.
Architecture
High altar
The high altar is a masterpiece of Giovanni Battista Colombo and Giovanni Battista Baberini. The altarpiece depicts Mary's Assumption into heaven. Originally there was a portrait of St.. Ignatius. This image, however, was replaced by just the image of Mary. It is native to the Black Spaniard Church in Vienna.
Choir stalls
The choir dates from the pen Garsten. Bishop Rudigier bought it because it was the existing too easy. The choir came by water to Mauthausen and then by horse to Linz.
Pulpit
Special attention deserves the pulpit with her wonderful sounding board. Are located at the four corners of cherubs, the four Evangelists. In the center is Jesus with the globe as a preacher of the Gospel. The conclusion is the statue of John the Baptist.
Bruckner organ
The Bruckner Organ is one of the most remarkable organs in Austria. It was made around 1780 by Franz Xaver Krisman for Engelszell Church. From the abandoned Cistercian monastery they came to Linz and was fitted. The modifications to the instrument were made specially according to the wishes of Anton Bruckner, who worked from 1855-1868 as an organist, organ builder by the family Breinbauer. Even after his departure came Bruckner always enjoy returning to Linz to play on this organ. The abrasive loading instrument has 32 registers on three manuals and pedal. The play and Registertrakturen are mechanical. A plaque on the facade reminiscent of Anton Bruckner's time as a cathedral organist in the parish church.
Digger
In the cathedral there is the grave of Maria Elisabeth, a daughter of Maria Theresa. Likewise, all the Jesuits, who died before the dissolution, buried here. Today, the cathedral is again burial for the Jesuits of the cathedral and the college Aloisianum at Freiberg