Pass beneath one of the two medieval gates of Freiburg im Breisgau and enter an old town suspended in history. It is not large so it is easy to explore and well worth a visit.
Pass beneath one of the two medieval gates of Freiburg im Breisgau and enter an old town suspended in history. It is not large so it is easy to explore and well worth a visit.
This majestic tower, once called the most beautiful in Christendom, stands 380 feet over the front entrance to Freiburg Minster. Inside the tower are 16 bells. The oldest, which dates back to 1258, is named Hosanna. It can be heard three times a week. You can climb the stairs for a great view of Freiburg im Breisgau.
Münsterplatz 10, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The old town of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, offers lots of historic sights, but the centerpiece is the Freiburg Minster cathedral and in its center is this clock. Study it closely and you’ll see the signs of the zodiac. Above it is the coat of arms. However, far more famous in the Black Forest is the cuckoo clock. It was first designed in 1629 and became popular in southwest Germany in the mid-18th century.
Münsterplatz 10, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
It took over 130 years to complete this Freiburg Minster cathedral. When it was being built from 1200 to 1330 was a period of architectural transition. That is why it began using a Romanesque style but finished using Gothic features such as large rose windows, buttresses and ornate towers and spires. You will also notice the statues and gargoyles.
Münsterplatz 10, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
When the Freiburg Minster cathedral was built mostly in the 13th century, the local guilds donated the funds for the stained glass windows but insisted that their symbols be incorporated into these colorful works of art. For example, if you look closely below the image of the Madonna with Child, you will see a scissors representing the tailors’ guild. On the left is Mary Magdalene and on the right is St. Catherine of Alexandria.
Münsterplatz 10, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This painting in the high altar of Freiburg Minster is called Coronation of the Virgin. Created by Renaissance artist Hans Baldung Grien in 1516, it shows Christ on the left and God on the right placing a crown on her head while jubilant angels fill the heavens. On the two outer panels of the predella are the Twelve Apostles.
Münsterplatz 10, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Jugendstil Kollegiengebäude I, or KGI for short, was built in 1911 as the main building for the University of Freiburg. But that date is misleading because this prestigious public research university, now called Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg in German, was founded during the late Middle Ages in 1457. Therefore, it’s one of Germany’s oldest universities and the first one to accept women in 1900.
Humboldtstraße 10, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In German, the word “burg” means fortified town and the Martinstor is one of two gates that protected Freiburg im Breisgau during medieval times. When it was built around 1238, it was called Porta Sancti Martini which translates into the Latin Gate of the Holy Martin. The tower stands almost 200 feet tall and the arch below still acts as an entry into the old town.
Kaiser-Joseph-Straße 233, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The double-headed eagle symbol dates back to the 20th century B.C., but in German history it was first used by the Holy Roman Empire in 1250 and, when it dissolved in 1806, it became the coat of arms for the German Confederation. It signifies the emperors’ complete authority over church and state. This sandstone plate is on the façade of the Martinstor gate in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
Kaiser-Joseph-Straße 233 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The old town of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, is a pedestrian zone, but surrounding it is a good transportation system including the Freiberg tramway network. This mural of the VAG tram is probably at least a decade old judging from the boom box in the right corner. The street art was found at Kaiser-Joseph-Straße.
Kaiser-Joseph-Straße, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions