Spectacle-Rest
Three churches in the city centre are opening their doors as places to rest and cool off – every day until 8 pm.
Here, you can take a break in the cool air and let your festival experiences sink in. The Linz-Mitte parish and the Diocese of Linz offer opportunities for mindfulness, relaxation and conversation. Take a moment to unwind and enjoy a cool, peaceful respite before heading back into the festival action.
St Mary’s Cathedral – A creative break in the tower chapel
Austria’s largest church, built in the Neo-Gothic style, invites festival-goers of all ages to enjoy a creative break in the tower chapel (entrance on Baumbachstraße). The Tower Chapel will be transformed into an exhibition space where, each day, a collective picture of the joy of life will take shape, giving expression to the day’s experiences. You are also invited to relax and simply be at one with yourself. Selected poems and prayers invite you to find peace through the contemplative act of writing. You are welcome to write something down and take it with you as spiritual sustenance for the day.
We ask for particular quiet every day between 6 pm and 7 pm due to the church service.
Ursuline Church – Take a moment to pause and recharge your batteries with all your senses, plus a Kids’ Corner
Right on Landstraße, this beautiful Baroque art and culture church opens its doors to let you take a deep breath, pause for a moment and recharge your batteries with all your senses – feel the cool stone floor under your bare feet, lie down for a moment, enjoy the special atmosphere or simply let your mind wander. Spiritual reflections invite you to experience the church interior in a new light. Children are very welcome – in the Kids’ Corner they can paint, create and let their creativity run wild. The Kids’ Tattoo Zone also provides fun and colourful festival memories. Every day from 7 pm, there’s also a special ‘blessing to go’. Pick up some uplifting words and good wishes for body and soul – and head into the festival evening feeling revitalised.
Old Cathedral / St Ignatius’ Church – A place for conversation and exchange
Hubert Nitsch (wearing a red scarf), the artists’ chaplain for the Diocese of Linz, is ready to chat in the magnificent Baroque St Ignatius’ Church. The topic will arise naturally, or you are welcome to suggest one. There is space for questions about art, but also for personal life issues relating to God and the world. You are welcome whether you are looking for a one-to-one conversation or a moment’s respite from the hustle and bustle. A prayer book invites you to write down your personal hopes, worries, concerns and wishes, whilst spiritual inspiration cards are designed to encourage you to let the space work on you in a very personal way.
We ask for particular quiet during the following times: Thursday 6–7 pm; Friday 2–6 pm; Saturday 5–6 pm.
Under the motto: “Tell me something… I’m listening,” the Festival Pastoral Care team from the Diocese of Linz is out and about around the churches and available for a friendly chat or if there’s something on your mind. You’ll find a permanent stand on Domplatz, in front of St Mary’s Cathedral. Please feel free to come and take a seat.
A team of full-time staff and volunteers looks forward to welcoming you to the churches.
Organised by
Core team of ‘Spektakel-Rast’:
Rebekka Sturmbauer, theologian, university chaplain, City Pastoral officer, Diocese of Linz.
Michaela Jurda-Nosko, psychotherapist, supervisor, management consultant, Linz.
Julia Dobretsberger, funeral director, bereavement counsellor, Linz.
Maria Grillnberger, passionate cathedral guide, ‘surrogate grandmother’, Linz.
Hubert Nitsch, theologian, art historian, curator and art educator, chaplain to artists, Diocese of Linz.
Martina Resch, theologian, project assistant for church space pastoral care, Linz-Mitte parish.