Otto of Lonsdorf (1254 –1265)

Around 1200

Birth
education at the "Passauer Domschule" (cathedral school of Passau)

1240

first documentary mentioned as a vicar in the retinue of Passau`s Bishop Rüdiger

around 1240

probably priest at Linz (mentioned as "Pfarrer Otto von Linz")

1242

Otto receives canory at the "Domkirche" in Passau

after 1244

archideacon of the bishopric of Passau

1254

Otto von Lonsdorf becomes Bishop of Passau

1257

pact of Linz with Ottokar II., King of Bohemia (anti-bavarian alliance)

1260

reform of coins: introduces an " ewigen Pfennig" (eternal-penny)

1262

compensation with Bavaria; Passau secures its independency and self-reliance; with this union it creates a counterbalance towards the Bohemian

1256

"placitum generale" in Ilzstadt (so-called "Ilzstadtweistum"); creation of clarity and unity of justice within the bishopric of Passau

1265

Otto von Lonsdorf dies in Passau and is burried in the "Stefansdom" (Cathedral of Stephan)

Valuation: Otto von Lonsdorf is one of the most prominent personalities of the bishops of Passau in the Middle Ages. In a politically difficult time, due to the descent of the "Staufers", he enlarged the position of Passau and tried to secure consisting claims. Otto von Lonsdorf is especially known for the "codex Lonsdorfianus", a collection of certificates and documents concerning right and estate of Passau`s bishopric, which were put together under his direction. Contemplating his ecclesiastical policy, he tried to embank the spreading heresies in the bishopric, but without giving to much room to the inquisition.

worked out by: Florian Taitsch
translation by: Jenny Frühauf
(18.8.2004/19.8.2005)

zum Lexikon     zum Stadtplan     zur Zeitleiste