The minster is Freiburg's most famous landmark. Münsterplatz - minster square - is the focal point and the heart of the town. Freiburg's picturesque old quarter is grouped around Münsterplatz. The open streams - known as "Bächle"- which flow through the streets and lanes add to the charm. Also on Münsterplatz is the Historical Merchants' House, which was built as a customs house and warehouse.Freiburg Minster
The minster is Freiburg's most famous building and landmark. Its 116 metre spire is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, leading Basle author Carl Jakob Burckhard to dub it the "most beautiful spire in Christendom".Münsterplatz
Until the 18th century, Münsterplatz (minster square) was the site of the parish church graveyard, although by 1513 Emperor Maximilian had already banned further burials for sanitation reasons. The "Alte Wache" on the square was the main guard post of the Austrian watch garrison. Münsterplatz also hosts a huge, colourful market every weekday.Historical Merchants' Hall (Historisches Kaufhaus)
The Historical Merchants' Hall was built in 1520-1532 as a customs house and storehouse for the municipal market administration. The ornate stonework was added by Sixt von Staufen. The open arcades on the ground floor face the Münsterplatz, while on the upper floor is a pentaxial hall. There are also two floors that were used as storehouses, with doors on the gables through which the goods were passed . The Advisory Regional Assembly met in 1946-47 on the upper floor, and from 1947-1951 the regional assembly of the state of (South) Baden met here.