Do you hear the whispers of centuries? Standing before the Adelhauser Kirche you are facing a treasure. This isn’t just any church. It is the heart of Freiburg’s past. The Adelhauser Kirche is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to resilience. It’s a story etched in stone. A history woven into its very fabric.
Originally the church of the Adelhausen Dominican convent the Adelhauser Kirche has a long and complex history. It’s a history intertwined with five medieval convents. These eventually merged into one. These convents were the Convent of the Annunciation founded in 1234. The Convent of Mary Magdalene founded before 1250. The Convent of St Agnes founded in 1264. The Convent of St Catherine of Alexandria founded in 1297. Finally the Convent of St Catherine of Siena founded in 1419.
Imagine the scene in 1687. Freiburg was under French rule. King Louis XIV generously funded the construction of the current building. French soldiers toiled alongside local workers. The lead architect was Jean La Douze a French military engineer. Sadly the construction wasn’t without tragedy. In 1693 the church’s vault partially collapsed. The master mason Jacob Martin perished in the accident. Despite setbacks the church was consecrated on May 13 1699. Freiburg was once again Habsburg territory after the Peace of Rijswijk in 1697.
The Adelhauser Kirche has withstood the test of time. It survived the bombardment of 1744 during the War of the Austrian Succession. It endured the secularization wave of 1802-1811. It even survived the Baden Kulturkampf which dissolved many religious communities in 1867. The convent was dissolved but the Adelhauser Kirche remained. It continues to serve its original purpose. A testament to faith and community.
Examine the church’s architecture. Notice how it echoes the Jesuit Church the present-day University Church. The west facade originally white now painted red faces the Adelhauser Klosterplatz. Look closely at the niches. They contain wooden sculptures of the Angel of the Annunciation and Mary. They recall the oldest convent on this site.
Step inside. Marvel at the richly decorated interior. See the high altar’s revolving tabernacle. It allowed the monstrance to be displayed to both the congregation and the nuns in their private chapel. The high altar’s sculptures were crafted by Hans Melchior Wüst and his sons in 1702. Tragically the father fell to his death from the scaffolding during construction. Admire the side altars added in 1731. Notice the paintings by Franz Bernhard Altenburger. They depict scenes from the lives of the saints.
Don’t miss the crucifix on the north wall. It dates from the late 14th century. Its emaciated figure powerfully depicts Christ’s suffering. This crucifix held great significance. It was transferred with much ceremony from the Convent of St Catherine of Siena in 1786. This event was meant to symbolize the unity of the former convents now merged into the Neukloster.
The Adelhauser Kirche is a unique place. It’s a living museum of Freiburg’s history. A silent observer to centuries of prayers. It carries the weight of history. This place is full of stories waiting to be discovered. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty. This is far more than a building. The Adelhauser Kirche is a journey through time.