St. Stefan

“A hidden gem,” whispered the old woman, her eyes twinkling as she pointed towards St. Stefan. “A church with secrets.” Intrigued, we approached St. Stefan in Freiburg im Breisgau, its modest exterior concealing a rich history. St. Stefan’s story begins in 1590, the year of the original church’s recorded existence. In 1648, a nave was added. The 17th century brought a beautiful baptismal font. The church underwent renovations in 1730, followed by an expansion and baroque embellishments in 1747. The main altar’s centerpiece, painted by Georg Saum of Strasbourg, arrived in 1768. Simon Göser created the side altar paintings in the same year. Joseph Hörr contributed the sculptures. Two new bells joined the church’s soundscape. Matthäus Edel of Strasbourg cast the first in 1771. Sebastian Bayer of Freiburg im Breisgau cast the second in 1777. The nave expanded again in 1804. A major renovation between 1927 and 1929 introduced five ceiling paintings by Mariano Kitschker. A new choir altar was installed in 1930. Three more bells arrived later. Grüninger of Neu-Ulm cast the third in 1949. F.W. Schilling of Heidelberg cast the fourth in 1966. Today, the sounds of a 1965 mechanical pipe organ resonate within St. Stefan’s walls. Built by Xaver Mönch Söhne of Überlingen, the organ boasts 13 stops spread across two manuals and a pedal. Its intricate mechanism and warm tones enhance the church’s sacred atmosphere. St. Stefan, a testament to centuries of faith and artistry, continues to serve its community. A planned renovation in 2019 promises to preserve its legacy for future generations.