Alter Dom (Ignatiuskirche)

Although it is no longer the cathedral of Linz, the Ignatiuskirche is still known as the Alter Dom and is the largest Baroque church in the city.

Constructed by the Jesuits in 1669-78 and designed by Pietro Francesco Carlone, the church was dedicated to St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit order.

The Ignatiuskirche became the cathedral (Dom) of Linz in 1785 and fulfilled that role until 1909. Famed composer Anton Bruckner was the cathedral organist for over a decade (1856-1868).

The Alter Dom has a fairly simple exterior with onion-dome-topped twin towers. The interior has the usual Baroque excesses - pink marble columns, intricately carved pulpit, lots of statues. The high altar by by Colomba and Barberini overflows with marble sculptures; the altar painting is by Antonio Bellucci. The carved choir stalls are from the former monastery in Garsten.