High above the entrance a rose window glows. It’s the Dreifaltigkeitskirche in Freiburg’s Waldsee district. This church isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to faith rebuilt after the devastation of World War II. Architect Gregor Schroeder a local resident designed it. Construction lasted from 1953 to 1954. It was the first new Catholic church in Freiburg after the war.
The Dreifaltigkeitskirche is a basilica a traditional style. It stretches north to south. Its length is 43.40 meters its width 18.62 meters. The impressive tower reaches 36.40 meters. Five bells ring out from its summit. A side chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas and Saint Charles Borromeo is attached. The north facade features a six-meter diameter rose window. Notice the 24 bronze panels beneath. Alfred Erhart created them. Their theme is “Ecclesia Praefigurata” Old Testament foreshadowings of the church.
Step inside the Dreifaltigkeitskirche. The interior is simple. Round arches dominate the design. High narrow windows with tinted glass ornaments also feature round arches. The most striking element is Rudolf Kaufhold’s fresco. He was a local artist. The fresco covers the 13-meter high 10-meter wide choir wall. It depicts Christ a youthful figure within a large mandorla. Surrounding him are saints. Only Mary and John the Baptist are clearly identifiable. Above are symbols of God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Two winged creatures support the mandorla. They are reminiscent of the “four living creatures” described in the Book of Revelation.
A copy of a wooden unadorned Gothic Madonna and Child statue stands in the right aisle. The original is in Freiburg’s Augustinian Museum. After the Second Vatican Council alterations occurred. The altar moved towards the congregation. The ambo and communion rail were removed. The side chapel was also enlarged. In 2017 another change took place. The altar relocated to the nave. This brought the congregation closer to the liturgical events. The baptismal font originally near the entrance now stands in the choir.
The rose window behind the altar depicts the heavenly Jerusalem in vivid medieval colors. Albert Birkle designed it. Karl Risseler designed the liturgical furnishings. The simple organ built by Willy Dold in 1955 sits on the rear gallery. It has 25 registers on two manuals and pedals. The bells too have a story. Initially only a borrowed bell existed. The Angelus bell was added in 1958. Four more bells completed the five-bell chime in 1962. All are from the Schilling foundry. In 2019-2020 renovations improved their sound. New clappers wooden yokes and lamellae louvers enhance the acoustics. Each bell bears an inscription reflecting its dedication.
The Dreifaltigkeitskirche is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a place of worship a community center. It’s a living history of faith resilience and artistic expression in the heart of Freiburg.