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Located on the Danube - Europe's second longest river - Linz is an ancient city that wears its historical and artistic heritage on its sleeve.

Linz is the third largest city in Austria, but visitors may be forgiven for never really noticing. Given its location on the north-south and east-west European axis and the external influences it is exposed to, Linz is understandably a city that cherishes its traditions.

Indeed, Linz has been a cornerstone of European artistic and scientific development for centuries. Visitors to Linz will see the indelible mark left on the city by its greatest figures, such as Johannes Kepler, Anton Bruckner and Adalbert Stifter, to name just a few.

Architecturally speaking Linz is a treat. The contrast between the opulence of the baroque and the boldness of industrial architecture from the early 20th century combine to give it a wonderfully diverse ambience.

The Linz castle was entirely rebuilt in 1477 by Emperor Friedrich III, and there are partial remains of the defensive walls, the bastions and the west entrance (Friedrichstor). During the Napoleonic wars the building served as a military hospital, and it was here that the great city fire of 1800 broke out.

It contains permanent exhibitions of art from the Middle Ages to the present day, historical weapons and musical instruments, coins, folklore and technical history, as well as the Kastner collection.

Visitors should also make the time to see Mozart's house, in which Mozart lived during 1783 while composing his Linz Symphony.

St Martins Church is another highlight of Linz. The church, first recorded in 799 is regarded as the oldest original church still in existence in Austria. Inside the building, Roman stone inscriptions and a furnace can be seen. The interior of the church can be viewed through a glass door, but entrance into the church is only permitted with a tourist guide.

Linz is a spectacularly beautiful Alpine city that revels in its status as a cultural behemoth. Its fusion of old world tranquility with youthful exuberance is an intoxicating mix that brings visitors back time and again.

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