How about a little riddle? What stands tall in Freiburg, boasting a spire completed in the Middle Ages? Of course, it is the Freiburg Minster. Welcome to one of Germany’s most impressive religious structures. This is Freiburg Minster.
Freiburg Minster dominates the city’s skyline. Its history stretches back over 800 years. The last duke of Zähringen initiated its construction around 1200. Initially, it was designed in the Romanesque style. By 1230, the builders shifted to Gothic. The Freiburg Minster stands partly on the foundation of an older church. That original church marked the very beginning of Freiburg in 1120.
Interestingly, Freiburg Minster wasn’t always a cathedral. For centuries, Freiburg belonged to the Diocese of Konstanz. It wasn’t until 1827 that the Freiburg Minster became the seat of the newly established Catholic Archdiocese of Freiburg. So, only then did it officially become a cathedral.
The Freiburg Minster’s tower is truly special. Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt famously called it the most beautiful spire on earth. Some misquote him saying it is the most beautiful tower in Christianity. The tower rises 116 meters high. Its base is nearly square. Above that sits the dodecagonal star gallery. The tower then becomes octagonal. Finally, it tapers into its elegant spire.
Remarkably, the Freiburg Minster’s tower is the only Gothic church tower in Germany completed in the Middle Ages around 1330. It still stands tall today. It even survived the bombing raids of November 1944. These raids destroyed nearly all the houses west and north of the market. The tower vibrated severely. Experts believe its survival is due to its lead anchors. These anchors connect the sections of the spire. Church staff even removed the windows from the spire during the war. Monsignor Max Fauler led this effort. This prevented the windows from being damaged.
Inside the Freiburg Minster, important art awaits. Look for the high altar crafted by Hans Baldung. Also, find an altar by Hans Holbein the Younger in a side chapel. The inner portal features sculptures of the Ten Virgins. Take note of the nave windows. Guilds donated these windows. Guild symbols appear on them. The deep red color in some windows is unique. It comes from solid gold nanoparticles.
Listen closely and you might hear the Hosanna bell. It dates back to 1258. This bell weighs a hefty 3290 kilograms. Hear it on Thursday evenings after the Angelus. It also rings on Fridays at 11:00 am. Locals call this time “Spatzleglocke.” It rings on Saturday evenings too. Finally, it sounds each year on November 27. This commemorates the air raid. In total, the Freiburg Minster houses 19 bells. Together, they weigh 25 tonnes. This makes it one of Germany’s largest peals.
From the very beginning, the people of Freiburg owned the Freiburg Minster. In the Middle Ages, this evolved into a self-owned status. A guardian, selected by the city’s people, administered the building. Today, the Münsterbauverein association legally owns the cathedral. This association invests millions of euros annually. The money ensures the Freiburg Minster’s care and maintenance. Yvonne Faller is the present architect in charge. Sven von Ungern-Sternberg chairs the association.
So, as you stand before this magnificent structure, remember its long history. Remember the craftsmanship and the community that built and preserved the Freiburg Minster. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Freiburg’s enduring spirit.