Every year, since 1985, the European Union establishes one or more cities  that are given the chance to promote and enrich their cultural life. Studies indicate that the cities that are selected by EU will have numerous socio-economical and cultural benefits in the years after, since this is one of the most important titles a region or a city could get. Here is the presentation of this year’s European Capital – Linz.

Austria’s third biggest city, after Vienna and Graz, this wonderful city is situated in the Northern part of the country. Linz is one of the most elegant cities in Austria, having numerous pedestrian zones, especially in the Old Town Quarter and in the Main Square, along with beautiful patrician houses.

Doubtless, Linz is the cultural capital of Austria. The main upcoming events that animate the city’s life are the Romantic stroll in Advent, in the late November and December, a time when the city fills with hundreds of cribs and with an impressive Christmas market. “Happy New Year in Linz, Danube” is the event that will get together Austria’s most exquisite artists and orchestras. You can enjoy them in the last day of 2009, at Brucknerhaus Linz and Landestheater Linz.

And if you can’t get to any of these and still in need for some culture sights, you can visit the city’s museums. Lentos Museum of Modern Art is considered the most important in Austria. You can visit the 8000 sq meters of exhibitions with only 6.50 Euros. Also, don’t miss The New Ars Electronica Center, where you can see some incomparable pieces of media and kinetic art for just 7 Euros. At Ebelsberg Castle you can find a Military History Collection, where you can see for 4 Euros exhibitions of old firearms, painted dioramas and a navy exhibition.

If the weather is good, you should also plan a walk in the Botanical Garden of Gugl, an area of 43,000 sq meters that assembles more than 10,000 species of trees and plants. Also, don’t forget to climb up the Pöstlingberg and the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady church on the hill for a wonderful view over Linz.

Image credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Popularity: 1% [?]