Freiburg Minster with beautiful late Romanesque stained-glass windows

Freiburg's Minster of Our Lady is an architectural masterpiece from the Gothic period. It is an uplifting building, which serves as a Roman Catholic parish, town and episcopal church. It is a wonderful example of a church which is both a place of worship and a fascinating cultural attraction.

The 12th century Minster of Our Lady, the cathedral church of the archbishopric, is a prominent landmark in the town of Freiburg and can be seen from miles around thanks to its striking 116-metre spire. When visitors step inside the portico, they are met by one of the most elaborate and best preserved friezes from high Gothic sculptural art. The high altar was painted for the minster in 1512-1516 by Hans Baldung Grien, an apprentice of Dürer. His triptych displays the history of Christian salvation. In the southern aisle there is a colossal representation of the Holy Sepulchre. This stone sculpture showing a great number of figures is one of Germany's earliest and most important depictions of the Holy Tomb.

It is well worth persevering with the 300 steps to the top of the tower, if only to experience the unique atmosphere in the watch room and for the belfry with its impressive clockwork and medieval bell mechanics - an absolute must. The tower houses sixteen bells, among them one of the oldest in Germany, the resonant "Hosanna". It was cast in 1258 and weighs over three metric tons.

It is best to visit the interior of the minster on a sunny day, to fully appreciate the beauty of the stained-glass windows as sunlight pours through them. The stained glass from the late Romanesque period is the oldest and artistically most significant. It is contained in the "Root of Jesse" window, which depicts the walls of heavenly Jerusalem, as described by John in the book of Revelation. The Edith Stein window, about four square metres in size, is in memory of a Jewish convert and philosopher, Carmelite nun and saint, who was murdered in the concentration camp at Auschwitz in 1942. The windows in the minster also feature many secular symbols. Open daily, closed to visitors during services, tours on request.


Contact:
E-Mail: info@c-punkt-freiburg.de
Internet: http://www.freiburger-muenster.info/