Gazing at St. Cyriak und Perpetua, do you sense the resilience woven into its very stones? This small Baroque church on Annaplatz has a compelling story. Locals fondly call it Annakirchle. It stands as a testament to faith and perseverance in Freiburg’s Wiehre district.
St. Cyriak und Perpetua’s history stretches back further than Freiburg itself. The villages of Wiehre and Adelhausen existed a century before Freiburg’s founding. Adelhausen, where St. Cyriak stands, was once known as Sant Einbetten Kilch. It honored Saint Einbeth. Legend says she was a companion of Saint Ursula.
Interestingly, Dominican records suggest an earlier consecration. Albertus Magnus allegedly dedicated a church to Saints Cyriak and Perpetua in 1263. He was in Freiburg then. The city took responsibility for the church in 1665. While the area became known as Wiehre, the parish retained the name Adelhausen.
The current St. Cyriak und Perpetua is not the first on this site. It is the fourth. The original medieval church survived the Thirty Years’ War. But war also brought destruction. Vauban, under Louis XIV, razed the area in 1678. He needed a clear field of fire when turning Freiburg into a French fortress.
A second church was built between 1709 and 1711. It was short-lived. In 1713, during the Spanish Succession War, Freiburg was under siege. The fortress commander ordered its demolition. He also ordered the demolition of houses, mills and gardens. Freiburg fell despite this sacrifice.
Peace was short-lived. A third church was built further west in 1718. But war returned. The buildings of Wiehre were again destroyed in 1744.
After a period of peace, the community decided to rebuild St. Cyriak und Perpetua. They wanted it on its original spot on Annaplatz. This was the cemetery then. They felt the church belonged there. Johann Baptist Häring designed the church. Joseph Schauberger, a master builder, executed the design. The cornerstone was laid in 1753. The church was consecrated in 1755.
St. Cyriak und Perpetua became too small. By 1885, the parish had grown significantly. From 1895 to 1899, St. Johann Church was built nearby. St. Cyriak was almost forgotten until Franciscan monks took it over in 1918.
Today, St. Cyriak und Perpetua stands proudly. Its yellow walls and red accents echo its original colors. The statues of St. Cyriak and Perpetua adorn the front. Inside, delicate Rococo ornaments by Franz Anton Vogel grace the ceilings.
The high altar came from the Freiburg Schlossberg fortress chapel. It was moved here in 1744. The Wiehremer Männle, a sculpted face, serves as a reminder of the church’s long past.
The bells of St. Cyriak ring out. They play a rare major sixth chord. The surrounding Annaplatz adds to its charm. The Sebastian fountain and old gravestones create a peaceful atmosphere. St. Cyriak und Perpetua has become a beloved Freiburg landmark.
The story of St. Cyriak und Perpetua is one of destruction and rebirth. It shows the enduring spirit of the community. It also embodies their deep faith. Take a moment to appreciate this resilient church. It is a symbol of Freiburg’s rich and turbulent history.