Exploring St. Polten, Austria: Top Attractions And More

St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its broad squares, concentration of cultural life, and magnificent baroque buildings. The city has many attractions, including museums, gardens, cathedrals, castles, and more. With so much to offer, it is a great destination for tourists looking to explore unique experiences.

St. Pölten's historic squares and architecture

St. Pölten, the capital of Lower Austria, is known for its beautiful squares and magnificent Baroque buildings. The city was founded on the site of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hippolytus in 771 and gained official city status in 1159. The majority of its architectural structures date back to the time of the famous Baroque architect Jakob Prandtauer, who designed several of the city's monuments.

One of the most notable squares in St. Pölten is the Town Hall Square (Rathausplatz), which features the Column of the Holy Trinity and the Franciscan Church. The Franciscan Church is located next to the City Hall and is decorated in the Baroque style. The square also has a unique fountain in the middle, with the Rathaus on one side and the church on the opposite. The square is a popular destination for tourists, especially during the Christmas market, when the building is beautifully illuminated.

Another important square in St. Pölten is the Cathedral Square (Domplatz), where you can find the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary (Die Kathedralkirche Maria Himmelfahrt). The cathedral has been a place of worship since 790, with the original building dating back to the 1200s. However, much of the current structure is from the 1600s, following a fire. Despite its plain exterior, the interior of the cathedral is a burst of Baroque grandeur, with detailed side chapels leading to a wonderful Baroque altar.

St. Pölten also has several other notable buildings and landmarks, including the Festspielhaus St. Pölten, a majestic place with high ceilings, masses of small chapels, and bright gilt decorations. The Landesmuseum Niederösterreich, also known as the Lower Austrian State Museum, is located in the city and houses both a natural history section and an art museum with changing exhibitions. The Klangturm St. Pölten, a museum dedicated to contemporary art and music, is also worth a visit.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary

St. Pölten, a city located near Vienna, is the oldest Austrian city and the largest city in the federal state of Lower Austria. The city is known for its broad squares, cultural life, and magnificent baroque buildings. One of the highlights of St. Pölten is the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, located in the centre of the city.

The current cathedral dates back to the 1200s, but much of the structure was rebuilt in the 1600s after a fire. The building combines late Romanesque elements with Baroque grandeur. On the outside, the cathedral appears quite plain, but when you step inside through the large metal-covered doors, you'll be greeted by the full majesty of its interior. The nave, lined with detailed side chapels, leads to a stunning Baroque altar.

The cathedral has been the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Sankt Pölten since 1785. Before that, it served as the church of the Augustinian Abbey of St. Pölten, which was dissolved in 1784. The dedication of the cathedral was changed by Bishop Gebhard in 1228 from Saints Peter, Stephen, and Hippolytus to the Assumption of Mary.

In addition to its religious significance, the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary is a testament to the architectural heritage of Sankt Pölten. The city's architectural masterpieces are largely attributed to the renowned baroque architect Jakob Prandtauer, who designed iconic landmarks such as the central building of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin and the Female Monastery of the Order of Carmelites.

Klangturm St. Pölten

The tower was built in 1996 and has been operational since 1997. It is a "sculptural architecture" that serves many functions. It is an observation deck, an information centre, and an antenna mast for various mobile network operators. The Klangturm was intended to be a platform for sound art, helping to familiarise people with new media (electronic, digital, and interactive image and sound media, also known as multimedia).

The Klangturm features an observation deck at a height of 47 metres, which can be reached by a panoramic lift or 280 steps. The view from the top offers a panorama of the government district, the cultural district, and the surrounding landscape.

The tower also houses three spheres with a diameter of 5.70 metres and a weight of approximately nine tons. The first three levels and the three spheres are annually fitted with installations by different artists, who often take advantage of the acoustics of the spheres. The technical heart of the tower is the studio above the information centre, which acts as a central hub for all media technology.

Kamptal Gardens

St. Pölten, the oldest Austrian city, is known for its beautiful squares, cultural life, and magnificent baroque buildings. The city is home to the Kamptal Gardens, a lush green space located in one of the most beautiful valleys in Lower Austria. Here are some details about the Kamptal Gardens and other attractions in St. Pölten:

The Kamptal Gardens, located at Grenzgasse 12 in St. Pölten, are a natural haven blessed with 19 unique oases of green. The gardens offer a serene escape in one of the most beautiful valleys in Lower Austria. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, relax amidst the greenery, and even have picnics while admiring the natural beauty. The gardens provide a tranquil retreat for those seeking a break from the bustling city life of St. Pölten.

Other Attractions in St. Pölten

In addition to the Kamptal Gardens, St. Pölten offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore:

• Festspielhaus St. Pölten: A majestic place with high ceilings and bright gilt decorations. It offers a serene escape from the city's bustle.
• Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary: Located in the centre of St. Pölten, this cathedral dates back to the 1200s. While it appears plain on the outside, the interior bursts with Baroque grandeur, featuring detailed side chapels leading to a stunning Baroque altar.
• Rathausplatz: The central square of St. Pölten, featuring the Town Hall, the Holy Trinity statue, and an interesting fountain. It's a must-visit, especially during the Christmas market when it's illuminated and full of life.
• Museum Niederösterreich: A popular family-friendly destination that offers a small universe of exhibits showcasing the province of Lower Austria.
• Klangturm St. Pölten: A unique tower that provides breathtaking views of the city and beyond.
• Schloss Walpersdorf: A castle located just outside the city centre, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.

The Town Hall Square and the Franciscan Church

St. Pölten's Town Hall Square is a must-see when visiting Sankt Polten. The square is located in the heart of the city's baroque old town and is known for its broad expanse and cultural significance. In the centre of the square stands the Holy Trinity Column, also known as the Dreifaltigkeitsaule Trinity Column, a landmark that has been mentioned in documents dating back to 1503. The square also features the impressive Town Hall building, with its distinctive octagonal tower, and the Franciscan Church, a beautiful example of baroque architecture.

The Franciscan Church, or Franziskanerkirche, is a key part of the cultural heritage of Sankt Polten. Decorated in the baroque style, the church stands opposite the Town Hall, with the State Theater of Lower Austria located nearby. The church is known for its intricate design and majestic presence, with detailed side chapels and a stunning altar. While the exact construction date of the Franciscan Church is unknown, it is believed to have been built around the time of the famous baroque architect Jakob Prandtauer, who designed many of the city's landmarks.

During the summer months, the Town Hall Square comes alive with various festivals and events, making it a vibrant and lively destination for visitors. The square is also home to several cafes and restaurants, making it a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere of the city. The surrounding area boasts well-preserved baroque buildings, including the Institute of the English Fräuleins, founded by Maria Ward and built by Jakob Prandtauer around 1707, and the "Apotheke Zum Goldenen Löwen" pharmacy, the oldest shop in St. Pölten, dating back to 1545.

For those interested in exploring the natural beauty of the area, the Kamptal Gardens are a short distance from the Town Hall Square. These gardens offer a serene escape, with 19 unique green oases to discover in one of the most beautiful valleys in Lower Austria. The gardens provide ample space for picnics and feature ducks, cocks, and goats, creating a peaceful and unique experience.

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