St Mary's Cathedral – an overview of the collections
From stained-glass windows to nativity figures
St Mary’s Cathedral in Linz is not only the largest church in Austria, but also a major cultural and historical landmark. Its impressive Neo-Gothic architecture and the richly detailed artworks inside bear witness to exceptional craftsmanship. A large-scale digitisation project is now opening up entirely new perspectives on the treasures of the cathedral and making them accessible to all.
Documents of the art of architecture
Precious liturgical objects and elaborate stained-glass windows, detailed architectural drawings and intricately carved nativity figures, masterfully designed altars and mosaics all tell the story of the history and artistic legacy that have shaped this sacred space. Now, thanks to high-resolution digitisation, these works of art reveal their full richness of detail. Masterful brushstrokes and the finest engravings become visible through digital techniques, allowing the craftsmanship and symbolism to be experienced in all their depth.
The architecture itself is also reflected in the collected documents. Detailed construction plans and technical drawings offer insight into the design and realisation of this monumental building. They reveal the collaboration between architects, artisans, and patrons whose shared vision shaped the cathedral’s construction and interior. Of particular significance are the preserved stained-glass window designs, which today serve as the only surviving evidence of the radiating chapel windows destroyed during the Second World War.
Digitisation as a bridge to the past
Through digitisation, these treasures are now visible in extraordinary clarity. Fine structures can be explored up close, enabling a new level of engagement with this heritage and providing a valuable foundation for future research and restoration. At the same time, the digital format allows the works to be experienced regardless of time and place. In this way, a window into the past is opened – one that deepens our understanding of the craftsmanship and symbolic power embodied in the cathedral’s collections.
This project was funded by the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport, as well as by the European Union. Thanks to this support, the cultural heritage of St Mary’s Cathedral is now being made accessible to a wide audience in a new and innovative way.