Eco-city Freiburg
The city of Freiburg is situated very idyllic in a region where three countries meet, just between the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains. The historical Old Town is centre of attraction for many tourists. Scientists and businessmen from all over the world meet here, because Freiburg has not only a well known university, but is also an important research location for medicine technology and furthermore has a remarkable industry of renewable energy.
Freiburg Minster: The minster was originally a parish church and is since 1821/27 seat of a bishop in the archdiocese Freiburg as well as a cultural monument of importance. Its tower is 116 metre high and well known because of his unique filigree spire and also as the nicest tower of Christendom. The minster houses numerous medieval pieces of art, like altars, glass paintings and sculptures.
The construction of the minster lasted from the 12th century until the middle of the 16th century. 60 years took the construction of the cathedral tower. It is only because of the rich occurrence in silver in the Black Forest and the fertile occurrence of sandstone that this immense Gothic church in the heart of the town could be completed. The minster has survived numerous wars. Who is willing to climb ist 153 stairway steps, will be compensated with an outstanding view.
Historic Merchants Hall: Built for the urban market management it was constructed at the beginning of the 16th century. The coats of arms and its facade are decorated with reference to the House of Habsburg.
The Martinstor is the older of two gates of a former town fortification that has been preserved since the 13th century. About 1900 the tower was heightened from 22 to 60 metres and a new roof construction in the architectural style of the 15th century was added.
The Schwabentor: Both the oldest bridge over the river Dreisam and the nearness to the street fork Oberlinden, the upper gate or Schwabentor was of special importance. In the west there was not only a pre-gate, but a big square which could be defended by means of a military walk on all sides.
Green city: Freiburg has big economic and likewise ecological success by investigating and applying renewable energy. Whether at the stadium of the local soccer club, at the city hall, on the roof tops of schools, churches and private houses or on facades and towers, Freiburg’s cityscape is dominated by solar cell panels. With over 1,800 hours of sunshine per year and an annual irradiation of 1,117 kilowatts per square metre the city is one of the sunniest towns in Germany.
TIP: "The Red Bear" is said to be the oldest inn in Germany. Its walls really are one of the oldest in the city. Its foundations go back to the time of the town foundation in AD 1120. Nevertheless, the culinary highlights are of today's taste. Take your time and enjoy in an elegant „old“ ambience tasty regional dishes.
Further information: http://www.freiburg.de/pb/,Len/225797.html
Photo: chbaum/Shutterstock
