Linz Castle, Linz (must see)

In Roman times a "castrum" existed in Linz when Linz was called Lentia. This was more of an armed camp than a castle. The mention of a masonry strongpoint appears during the reign and by the order of Charlemagne in 799, when a deed of gift was made concerning the "Castle in Linz."

Holy Roman Emperor Friedrich III, stripped of his many holdings and titles by his younger sibling, Albert, moved about quite a bit. The aging Friedrich at last found a home in Linz Castle. The castle was completely rebuilt by Friedrich. The remains of its defensive walls and bastions and the Friedrich Gate are visible today.

Friedrich's motto, carved in stone, was expressed in the letters "AEIOU", in Latin. In English, it means "All the World is ruled by Austria." Friedrich died in his castle in 1493.

In the 17th century the castle was remade again by art-loving Rudolf II. In 1600 the fortress was enlarged following the designs of architect Anton Muis. Only the "Rudolf Gate" has survived. During the wars of Napoleon the castle served as a hospital and a prison. From 1851 until 1945 it saw duty as a barracks.

In the period 1953-1963 the castle was rebuilt. The focus was on housing a branch of the Upper Austrian State Museum. The Castle Museum has rich, wide ranging exhibits including paintings by Gustav Klimt, Ego Schiele, Anton Bruckner and Johannes Kepler. Also featured are archeological, scientific, and cultural items.