Freiburg

:This article is about Freiburg in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. There is also a village named Freiburg (Elbe) in northwestern Germany. Freiburg (Freiburg im Üechtland) is also the German name of the town of Fribourg, Switzerland. Freiburg is frequently confused with Freiberg

Culture

Because of its scenic beauty, relatively warm and sunny climate and easy access to the Black Forest, Freiburg is a hub for regional tourism. The longest cable car in Germany (3.6 km, or about 2.25 miles) runs from just outside the city to a nearby mountain called Schauinsland. The city has an unusual system of gutters (called Bächle) that run throughout its centre. These Bächle, once used to provide water to fight fires and refresh livestock, are constantly flowing with water diverted from the Dreisam. Local tradition has it that if you step in a Bächle, you will marry a Freiburger.

Related Topics:
Tourism - Cable car - Schauinsland - Dreisam

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The Augustinerplatz is one of the central squares in the old city. Formerly the location of an Augustine monastery which became the Augustinermuseum in 1921, it is now a beloved gathering place for Freiburg's residents. It has quite a few restaurants and bars, including a local brewery, which has a Biergarten that overlooks the square.

Related Topics:
Augustine - Augustinermuseum

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At the center of the old city is the its largest square, the Münsterplatz, home of a farmers' market every day except Sundays. This is the site of Freiburg's Münster, a gothic Minster Cathedral constructed of red sandstone, built between 1200 and 1530. The Freiburg Münster is noted for its flamboyant spire.

Related Topics:
Gothic - Minster - Cathedral

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The Historisches Kaufhaus, or historical marketplace, is a Renaissance building constructed between 1520 and 1530 which was once the center of the financial life of the region. Its façade is decorated with the coat of arms of the Habsburgs.

Related Topics:
Renaissance - Coat of arms

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The Altes Rathaus, or old city hall, was completed in 1559 and has a painted façade.

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The Platz der alten Synagoge "Place of the Old Synagogue" is one of the more important squares on the outskirts of the historic old city. The square was the location of a Synagogue until it was destroyed on the Night of Broken Glass in 1938.

Related Topics:
Night of Broken Glass - 1938

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St George is the Patron Saint of Freiburg.

Related Topics:
St George - Patron Saint

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