Perched majestically above the old town of Linz, Austria, Linz Palace (known locally as Linzer Schloss) offers a captivating journey through centuries of history. Overlooking the serene Danube River, this imposing structure has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the passage of monarchs, and the evolution of the city itself. Its storied past and architectural grandeur make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.
The roots of Linz Palace stretch back to ancient times. Originally, the site was home to the Roman fort of Lentia, with the first documented mention of a castle here dating to June 20, 799. By the mid-12th century, the Lords of Linz, vassals of the Prince-Bishopric of Passau, resided here under the suzerainty of the Dukes of Bavaria. The castle's strategic importance grew, and by 1205/1206, Duke Leopold VI of Austria and Styria acquired the burgeoning town of Linz and its castle from Gottschalk II of Haunsperg.
Under Emperor Frederick III, the castle underwent significant transformation into a palace in 1477. It served as his residence from 1489 to 1493, a period during which the iconic Friedrichstor was constructed. Frederick's son, Maximilian I, frequently stayed at the palace, and his grandson, the future Emperor Ferdinand I, expanded and lavishly adorned the palace for his wife, Anna of Bohemia and Hungary. Their children, Elisabeth and Ferdinand II, were born here, and their daughter, Katharina, resided in the palace after her separation from the Polish King Sigismund II Augustus.
In 1600, Emperor Rudolf II commissioned the demolition and reconstruction of the palace under the guidance of the Dutch architect Anton de Moys from Antwerp. The result was a grand four-story block with two inner courtyards and the addition of the main gate to the city, the Rudolfstor, in 1604. During the Bavarian occupation from 1620 to 1628, Adam Count of Herberstorff, the governor, fortified the palace against potential peasant sieges, a precaution that proved necessary during the 1626 peasant uprising.
Throughout its history, Linz Palace has served various roles. During the Napoleonic Wars, it functioned as a military hospital, and a devastating fire in 1800 destroyed the south wing and part of the transverse wing. The damaged structure was repurposed as a provincial prison in 1811, where inmates produced textiles and other goods. However, the prison was relocated in 1851, and the palace became a military barracks until 1945. Between 1953 and 1963, the palace was transformed into the Schlossmuseum, the museum of the Upper Austrian State Museums.
The architecture of Linz Palace is a testament to its diverse history. The massive bastion facing the rising Schlossberg plateau features outer walls, deep moats, and tower-flanked curtains. The Friedrichstor, with its coat of arms and the inscription A.E.I.O.U., stands as a historical marker. The four-story block structure with two inner courtyards and the 1604 Rudolftor leading to the old town of Linz are notable features. In 2006, an architectural competition led to the reconstruction of the south wing, which had been destroyed in 1800. The new steel and glass structure, completed in 2009, now houses an extension of the Schlossmuseum.
The Schlossmuseum, located in the north wing of the palace, opened partially in 1963 and fully in 1966. It initially showcased historical and ethnographic collections, with permanent exhibitions of historical weapons, musical instruments, and old coins. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and open-air events in the courtyard. The new south wing features collections of technological and natural history, as well as art exhibitions.
The museum's collections are diverse and extensive. The Kastner Art Collection, donated in 1975, includes medieval sculptures, 17th-century Dutch paintings, and Austrian art from the Biedermeier and Expressionist periods. The coin cabinet offers a comprehensive overview of Upper Austrian numismatics, featuring Celtic coins, medieval coins, medals, and treasure finds. The natural history exhibition presents the geological and biological diversity of Upper Austria. The museum also houses collections of traditional nativity scenes, folk art, and historical weapons.
Among the museum's most notable artifacts are a Neolithic female figurine from Ölkam, a Hallstatt-period gold necklace from Uttendorf, and a La Tène-period spouted jug from Mining-Sunzing. Other highlights include the Fuchsenhof treasure, a 12th-century Crusader sword, the Eggelsberg Altar, the Adoration of the Magi by the Master of Mondsee, and a baroque pharmacy from Schärding.
Linz Palace is not just a historical monument; it is a living museum that tells the story of Linz and Upper Austria through its architecture, collections, and exhibits. A visit to this remarkable site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich and varied past, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the cultural heritage of Austria.
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