Linz
| Linz | |
| Type: | City |
| Country: | Austria |
| Subdivision: | Upper Austria |
| Founded: | |
| Total Population: | 213,557 |
| Catholic Population: | — |
| Catholic %: | — |
| Parishes: | — |
| Patron Saint: | Saint Florian |
| Catholicism Introduced: | |
| Church Status: | Active |
| Historic: | Yes |
| Official Languages: | |
| Notable Catholic Sites: | New Cathedral (Mariendom), Old Cathedral (Alter Dom), Stadtpfarrkirche |
| Catholicism Status: | — |
| Website: | Official Website |
Linz is the capital of Upper Austria and the third-largest city in Austria, situated on the Danube River in north-central Austria. As of January 1, 2025, the city's population is estimated at 213,557 inhabitants according to Statistics Austria.[1] As the seat of the Diocese of Linz, it holds significant Catholic importance, featuring the New Cathedral (Mariendom), the largest church in Austria, and serving as a center for diocesan life in Upper Austria.
History
Linz's history spans Roman origins through medieval trade prominence to its modern role as an industrial and ecclesiastical hub, with Catholicism integral since the diocese's establishment.
Early settlement
Linz originated as the Roman fortress of Lentia. It developed as a medieval trading center and became the provincial capital in the 15th century under Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III.[2]
Catholic evangelization
The Diocese of Linz was established in 1785. The New Cathedral (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception), begun in 1862 and completed in 1924, serves as the diocesan cathedral. The Old Cathedral (Ignatiuskirche), a former Jesuit church from 1669–1678, previously functioned as the cathedral. The Stadtpfarrkirche, dating to the 13th century in Romanesque style and dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, represents early parish life.[3]
Modern faith life
As of 2022 statistics, the Diocese of Linz reports approximately 927,906 Catholics (about 62.1% of the diocesan population of 1,493,279).[4] National trends show Catholicism at around 55.2% in Austria (2021 census), with declines over decades.[5] The diocese maintains pastoral centers and engages in contemporary Catholic activities.
Geography and demographics
Linz lies on the Danube River with coordinates at 48.3064, 14.2861 and an elevation around 266 meters. It has a continental climate. The city covers 95.99 km².[1] Population stood at 213,557 as of 2025 estimates.[1] Catholic demographics align with diocesan figures of about 62% (2022), though city-specific percentages are unavailable; the diocese covers Upper Austria.[4] Education features institutions with historical Catholic ties.
Parishes
The Diocese of Linz, encompassing Upper Austria including the city of Linz, reports around 473 parishes and missions as of recent statistics (2022).[6] The city itself is served by numerous ecclesiastical parishes, exceeding ~30 in the urban area. Only a selection of the most historically or sacramentally significant ones are listed here:
- New Cathedral (Mariendom, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) — diocesan cathedral and largest church in Austria.
- Old Cathedral (Alter Dom, Ignatiuskirche) — former Jesuit church and previous cathedral.
- Stadtpfarrkirche (Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary) — historic 13th-century Romanesque basilica in the city center.
- Ursulinenkirche (Ursuline Church of St. Michael) — notable Baroque church.
- Minoritenkirche — historic Franciscan church.
- Pöstlingbergkirche (Pilgrimage Church on Pöstlingberg) — prominent hilltop church dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
For the complete and up-to-date list of parishes in the Diocese of Linz, consult the official diocesan directory at dioezese-linz.at.[7]
Government and culture
Linz is governed by the City of Linz municipality, with official website at linz.at.[8] Culturally, Catholic heritage includes the neo-Gothic New Cathedral with its capacity for large gatherings and notable stained-glass windows. The Old Cathedral features Baroque elements. Pilgrimages to sites like Pöstlingberg and observances of Saint Florian's feast (May 4) reflect local devotion.
Notable Catholic figures
- Saint Florian, patron saint of Linz, Upper Austria, firefighters, and others; martyred c. 304 near the Enns River, with relics associated with the region.[9]
- Bishops of Linz, including historical figures since the diocese's founding in 1785.
Dynamic content
Saints
This list of saints dynamically from the data in the Saints cargo table.
| Saint | Birth Place | Death Place | Notable Address 1 | Notable Address 2 | Notable Address 3 | Notable Address 4 | Notable Address 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Wolfgang | Pfullingen, Swabia (modern Baden-Württemberg, Germany) | Pupping, near Linz, Austria | Regensburg Cathedral (Dom St. Peter), Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany | Wolfgangsee (Lake Wolfgang / St. Wolfgang), Salzkammergut, Austria |
Parishes
This list of parishes dynamically from the data in the Parishes cargo table. No results
Related
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Linz (Linz (Stadt), Oberösterreich, Austria) - Population Statistics". https://www.citypopulation.de/en/austria/oberosterreich/linz_stadt_/40101__linz.
- ↑ "Linz". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linz.
- ↑ "New Cathedral, Linz". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Cathedral,_Linz.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Diocese of Linz". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlinz.html.
- ↑ "Religion in Austria". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Austria.
- ↑ "Diocese of Linz". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/linz0.
- ↑ "Diözese Linz". https://www.dioezese-linz.at/.
- ↑ "Stadt Linz". https://www.linz.at/.
- ↑ "Saint Florian". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Florian.