Imagine a place of community. Christen in Freiburg opens its doors to all. What stories could these walls tell if they could talk?
Christen in Freiburg is a place where people come together. It is a church that offers solace and community. Today we explore some background on this beautiful city.
Freiburg’s story began in 1120. Conrad of the House of Zähringen founded it. The city thrived as a market and commercial hub. Merchants enjoyed the same privileges as those in Cologne.
In 1146, Bernard of Clairvaux preached the crusades here. Imagine the fervor. Berthold IV, Conrad’s successor, started a Romanesque cathedral.
Freiburg purchased its rights and liberties over time. It even aided Ludwig of Bavaria in war. In 1339, he confirmed Freiburg’s privileges. The city gained an independent municipal court.
A quarrel with Count Egon IV ended in 1368. The city placed itself under Austrian rule. For over five centuries, Freiburg shared fortunes with the House of Hapsburg.
By 1393, Freiburg’s council included nobles, merchants, and guild masters. The city offered refuge to Pope John XXIII in 1415. Austria later reconquered it in 1425.
Archduke Albert founded Freiburg’s university in 1456. The city prospered under Maximilian I. Many Renaissance buildings arose then. Hans Baldung decorated the minster. Its choir was consecrated in 1513. The diet of the empire met here in 1498.
The Reformation brought social and religious upheaval. Rebellious peasants captured Freiburg in 1524. They forced inhabitants to pay tribute.
The city council did not favor the Reformation. Austrian government and the university hindered its spread. In 1529, the cathedral chapter of Basle moved to Freiburg. They were driven from Basle by the Reformation.
The Thirty Years War brought much suffering to Freiburg. The city was besieged five times. It was captured four times. Two-thirds of its population perished from disease.
Louis XIV captured Freiburg in 1677. He transformed it into a fortress. Vauban demolished fourteen churches and four monasteries. Freiburg returned to Austria in 1697 after the Peace of Ryswick.
The city suffered again during the War of the Spanish Succession. By 1754, only 3655 inhabitants remained. Many were beggars.
Freiburg began to recover under Maria Theresa and Joseph II. The French Revolution then broke out. Freiburg swore allegiance to the Archduke of Baden in 1806.
Monasteries were abolished. In 1821, Freiburg became a metropolitan see. The revolution of 1848-49 saw Freiburg as a revolutionary seat.
By 1909, Freiburg’s population neared 80,000. The university hosted 2900 students. Freiburg had seven Catholic parishes and 22 churches and chapels. Catholic sisterhoods managed numerous charitable institutions.
The minster stands as one of the few completed Gothic cathedrals. Its tower rises 380 feet. Hans Baldung’s painting graces the main altar. Artistic windows date from the fourteenth century. The vestibule displays medieval theological symbolism.
As you reflect on the Christen in Freiburg today remember it is a continuation of centuries of community. It stands as a testament to Freiburg’s enduring spirit.