“Rittergut Freibergsdorf, a name whispered through centuries. But what echoes remain of this noble estate?”
Rittergut Freibergsdorf stands before you. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place steeped in a rich history. Let’s step back in time to uncover its story.
The tale begins in the shadow of Freiberg’s city walls. Back in 1224, the Hospital St. Johannis was established near the Peter Gate. Close to it a manor existed around 1350. This manor was named Rittergut Thurmhof in 1551. From this sprung the settlement of Freibergsdorf. It was named after the Freiberger family in 1530.
In 1543, a significant agreement shaped Freibergsdorf’s spiritual life. The mayor of Freiberg, Alnpeck, along with Caspar Freiberger and Superintendent Zeuner, made a pact. The pastor of St. Johannis Hospital would care for the souls of Freibergsdorf. In return, the estate owner and villagers covered one-third of the pastor’s salary.
The Freiberger family eventually died out in the early 17th century. The estate then passed to the Schönlebe family. In 1644, Gutsbesitzer Schönlebe provided space for church services on his estate. This was because the Hospital and St. Johannis Church were destroyed by the Swedes in the Thirty Years’ War. The new Johanniskirche was finally consecrated in 1661.
Freibergsdorf thrived as a village of farmers and miners. It was closely linked to the powerful city of Freiberg and its mining operations. The Freibergsdorfer Hammer, first mentioned in 1607, became vital. Ernst Schönlebe, the owner of Rittergut Freibergsdorf, was granted water rights for his hammer mill. For centuries, the mill produced iron goods. These were for both the mines and local farmers until 1974.
Until 1856, Freibergsdorf was part of the Freiberg district. Later, it fell under the jurisdiction of the Freiberg court. In 1875, it became part of the Amtshauptmannschaft Freiberg. Today, the Weigelsche Vorwerk likely stands where the Rittergut Thurmhof once did.
Located on the old road to Oederan and Chemnitz, Freibergsdorf saw change. The construction of railway lines to Chemnitz and Nossen in 1869 and 1873 cut through it. In the northern part, two barracks were built in the 18th century. Freibergsdorf was incorporated into Freiberg in 1907.
The Hospital St. Johannis was rebuilt and opened in 1911. In 1920, the St. Johannis Church needed urgent repairs. The Freiberg City Council refused to fund it. In 1952, the Catholic community of Freiberg bought and restored the old St. Johannis Church.
Today, Freibergsdorf is a district of Freiberg. It lies within the triangle formed by the B173 and B101 roads and the Dresden-Werdau railway line. North of Chemnitzer Straße, the Hospitalviertel and the St. Johannis Church form a separate district.
As you stand here at Rittergut Freibergsdorf, remember the families who lived here. Remember the miners and farmers who shaped this place. Consider the rise and fall of noble families. The echoes of Freibergsdorf’s past still resonate. They remind us that even in the face of change, history leaves its mark.