Within these ancient stones whispers a tale. This is Sankt-Agatha a Roman Catholic chapel nestled in Freiburg’s Hochdorf-Benzhausen district. Its story stretches far beyond its simple exterior.
First mentioned in 1596 documents reveal a much older history. Benzhausen itself appears in a St Gallen monastery record from 788. Imagine the centuries unfolding within these walls. The chapel’s existence predates its written record. Its foundations likely rest on even older structures.
The Thirty Years’ War brought destruction. In 1699 a rebuilding commenced. Thankfully they used much of the existing stonework. The impressive portal the Gothic choir window and surviving fresco fragments are all testaments to that earlier chapel. The rectangular structure and gabled roof are a direct result of this careful reuse.
A small tower once stood. Replaced in 1725 by a more modest onion-domed roof turret. In 1788 a fierce debate erupted over the chapel’s survival. It ended happily with the construction of a new rectory in 1790 securing its future.
In 1820 a remarkable addition arrived. The chapel acquired the Josef’s altar from Freiburg Minster. Admire Johann Dengler’s altarpiece. Even more special are the statues of St Agatha and Mary Magdalene. Attributed to Freiburg’s own Andres Hochsing these are true local treasures.
Decay struck again. In 1844 the roof turret showed signs of woodworm infestation. A new pyramidal roof replaced the old one in 1859. Finally the Erzbischöfliches Bauamt (Archdiocesan Building Authority) undertook a thorough restoration between 1973 and 1975. They carefully restored the original colour scheme. This beautiful chapel stands as a testament to its enduring resilience. It is a living record of Freiburg’s rich and complex history. A small gem. A testament to faith and community.