Altes Rathaus

Altes Rathaus stands on the eastern side of Linz’s main square, within the historic Rathausviertel. Its arcaded courtyard frames the old-town setting. The building combines a baroque facade, an octagonal tower, vaulted rooms, and modern interior features. Wheelchair access and a walkable aerial map of Linz add practical details inside.

A city fire in 1509 led to reconstruction, preserving the tower and vaulted rooms built under master builder Christoph. Expansion around 1658 and 1659 added the baroque facade. A small balcony above the entrance dates from 1778 and once carried council decisions, regulations, and verdicts to crowds below. Its history includes speeches by Pius VI in 1782 and Adolf Hitler’s 1938 Anschluss announcement. Since 1988, the balcony has remained unused for public events. Restoration from 1993 to 1997 uncovered Gothic craftsmanship and a Biedermeier painting dated 1820.

The building remains the seat of Linz’s mayor and city council. The Tourist Information office shares it with the Linz Museum for the History of Dentistry. Four portrait plaques honour Anton Bruckner, Johann Adam Pruner, Johannes Kepler, and Emperor Frederick III. Council chamber, Renaissance Hall, and press centre host presentations and chamber concerts. A bike service station and luggage lockers make the old town hall useful beyond its historical rooms.