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Freiburg

Freiburg Old Town: Medieval Gates, Cathedral & Historic Squares

4.8/5 Freiburg from BlackBuck Travels
  • Duration2 hours
  • Max Travelers25 people
  • CategoryAgent Low Quality Product, City Tours

Overview

Discover Freiburg’s fascinating history as you explore medieval city gates, Renaissance civic buildings, centuries-old university landmarks and impressive religious architecture. Admire the magnificent Freiburg Cathedral, uncover stories of wartime destruction and reconstruction, stroll through lively historic squares and finish at the imposing Schwabentor, one of the city’s best-preserved medieval gateways.

Gallery

What's included

  • Private guided tour

What's Not included

  • Gratuities and refreshments

Itinerary

  • Begin at the impressive Victory Monument, designed by sculptor Karl Friedrich Moest. Created following a public competition, the monument commemorates the German forces involved in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870u201371 and provides an introduction to Freiburgu2019s place in modern German history.

  • Continue past the striking House of the Whale, an outstanding example of late-Gothic civic architecture. Forming part of a historic building complex, its distinctive red fau00e7ade and ornate details have made it one of Freiburgu2019s most recognisable residences. The building also gained cinematic fame as a filming location for the 1977 horror film Suspiria.

  • Admire Freiburgu2019s Renaissance-style Old Town Hall, distinguished by its colourful fau00e7ade and decorative artwork. After suffering extensive damage during the bombing of 1944, the building was carefully reconstructed and expanded. A connecting bridge links it with the neighbouring New Town Hall.

  • Behind the Old Town Hall stands the Gerichtslaube, one of Freiburgu2019s oldest surviving civic buildings. Dating from the late Middle Ages, it once served important judicial and administrative functions and offers a fascinating glimpse into the cityu2019s early system of government.

  • Discover Freiburgu2019s long academic tradition at the Old University. Founded in 1457, the university originally operated across several buildings in the historic centre. Parts of the complex continue to reflect the cityu2019s enduring reputation as an important centre of education and research.

  • Marvel at Freiburg Cathedral, the cityu2019s defining landmark and a masterpiece shaped by both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Construction began around 1200 and continued for approximately three centuries. The cathedral survived the devastating air raids of 1944 and contains important works of art, including altarpieces associated with Hans Baldung Grien and Hans Holbein the Younger.

  • Near the cathedral, admire the Historical Merchantsu2019 Hall with its deep-red fau00e7ade, colourful coats of arms and distinctive arcades. Once a centre for trade and customs administration, the building reflects Freiburgu2019s commercial importance during the medieval and early modern periods.

  • Pause at Bertoldu2019s Fountain, a popular meeting point located where major tram lines and shopping streets converge. Its modern equestrian monument replaced an earlier fountain destroyed during the Second World War and commemorates the dukes of Zu00e4hringen, Freiburgu2019s founding dynasty.

  • Pass beneath the Martinstor, one of only two surviving medieval gateways from Freiburgu2019s original fortifications. Dating from the early 13th century, this imposing tower recalls the defensive walls that once enclosed and protected the historic town.

  • See St. Martinu2019s Church, whose origins reach back to the early 13th century. Over time, the building incorporated Gothic, Baroque and neo-Gothic elements. After being severely damaged in 1944, the church was reconstructed and remains an important feature of Freiburgu2019s Old Town.

  • Continue to the Adelhauser New Convent, created from the consolidation of four medieval Dominican convents. The present Baroque complex was constructed during the late 17th century and preserves the legacy of religious communities once associated with Christian mysticism and learning.

  • Conclude at the Schwabentor, Freiburgu2019s second surviving medieval city gate. Dating from the mid-13th century, its imposing tower, historic artwork and position at the edge of the Old Town provide a memorable final view of the cityu2019s medieval heritage.

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

0% Refund 0 hours or more before the start time

Reviews

4.8/5 6 reviews
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