Definition
The New Cathedral (German: Neuer Dom), officially named the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Dom Mariä Unbefleckten Empfängnis), is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the Diocese of Linz in Upper Austria, Austria.
Overview
Constructed between 1862 and 1905, the New Cathedral serves as the episcopal seat of the Bishop of Linz. It replaced the older medieval parish church of Saint Stephen, which could no longer accommodate the growing Catholic population of the city during the 19th‑century industrial expansion. The cathedral dominates the Linz skyline, standing on a hill above the Danube River and acting as a prominent landmark within the historic city centre.
Etymology/Origin
The name “New Cathedral” distinguishes it from Linz’s earlier ecclesiastical building, the “Old Cathedral” (Alter Dom), a Romanesque‑Gothic parish church dedicated to Saint Stephen. In German, the terms Neuer Dom and Alter Dom have been used locally since the cathedral’s inauguration to differentiate the two structures.
Characteristics
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Architecture: Designed primarily by architect Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach’s descendant, Franz von Neumayr, the cathedral is an example of Neo‑Gothic architecture, incorporating elements of historicist styles common in 19th‑century Central Europe. Its façade features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and a prominent central spire reaching 114 m (approximately 374 ft).
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Interior: The interior comprises a Latin cross floor plan with a nave, two side aisles, and a transept. Notable interior features include a high altar dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, stained‑glass windows depicting biblical scenes, and a large organ installed in 1906 by the Austrian firm Rieger‑Kloss.
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Dimensions: The cathedral measures roughly 80 m in length, 40 m in width at the transept, and its nave rises to a height of 27 m. The tower houses a set of 12 bells, the largest weighing 5 t.
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Artistic Works: Sculptural programs by artists such as Anton Dominik Fernkorn and Johann Baptist Reiter adorn the exterior and interior, while frescoes by the Austrian painter Josef Kessler illustrate the life of the Virgin Mary.
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Conservation: The building has undergone several restoration campaigns, most notably after damage sustained during World War II air raids in 1945. Ongoing preservation efforts focus on the stone façade, stained glass, and the historic organ.
Related Topics
- Linz Cathedral (St. Stephen’s) – the older Romanesque‑Gothic parish church, often referred to as the “Old Cathedral.”
- Diocese of Linz – the ecclesiastical jurisdiction established in 1785, for which the New Cathedral is the mother church.
- Neo‑Gothic Architecture in Austria – broader architectural movement of which the New Cathedral is a representative example.
- Immaculate Conception – the Marian doctrine to which the cathedral is dedicated.
- Rieger‑Kloss Organs – notable Austrian organ builders whose instruments are featured in several Austrian cathedrals, including the New Cathedral.