Drinking a cup of coffee in a leisurely fashion, admiring the old facades and beautiful fountains, listening to two local languages or gazing from the 74-meter spire of the Cathedral far into the countryside - this is an experience enjoyed in Fribourg (Freiburg).

Freiburg, nestled on a rock promontory, is surrounded on three sides by the Saane River. It is one of the largest medieval towns in Üechtland. Over 200 unique Gothic facades from the 15th century impart incomparable medieval charm to the Old Town.  
  
Ramparts that are over two kilometers long used to protect the city in the past. Remnants of the walls, turrets and bastions are still preserved. Most impressive, however, is the Cathedral of Freiburg with its extraordinarily beautiful stained-glass windows. Construction started in 1283 and continued in several stages. Dedicated to St. Nicholas, it boasts a 74-meter-high tower that offers a fantastic panoramic view.  
  
Another good viewpoint is the Italian-style early Baroque Loreto Chapel. From the Neuveville district (in the Lower Town), a funicular railway takes you up to the pedestrianised area of the Upper Town. Fribourg is a lively university town, with many students from all over the world, making this a cosmopolitan, multi-faceted mini-metropolis. In the narrow alleyways are tightly packed rows of little boutiques, antique shops, student cafés and restaurants, offering local and foreign specialities.  
  
One of the favourite destinations for art-lovers is the "Espace Jean Tinguely et Niki de Saint Phalle", housed in a former tram depot. More works by the two artists can be found on the Sculpture Trail through the town centre. Modern art is on display in the Fri-Art Gallery. Children will love the Puppet Museum or the highly educational Natural History Museum.  
  
It is worth making an excursion to Hauterive Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1137, and once a stopping place on the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela.

**Mediaeval fountains**

Discover some of the 11 historic fountains with their beautiful columns either alone or learn all of their secrets with one of our city guides. Fribourg’s fountains have great names like Fidelity, Strength and Courage. 11 historical fountains from different centuries can be found dotted around the city. Did you know that the city of Fribourg built its most beautiful fountains in the 16th century to compete with the rival city of Bern? Several were built during this period by Hans Gieng and Hans Geiler, who were responsible for creating the most beautiful fountains in Switzerland. Embark on a journey of discovery in the company of an expert guide who will reveal the secret stories behind the fountains.

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Fribourg / Freiburg

The fortifications of the city of Friborg were built in the Middle Ages, between the 13th and the 15th century. The topography of the city was an asset for the creation of Fribourg. Its steep cliffs in molasse and the meanders of the river Sarine constituted a natural barrier against the enemy and the invasions. It is therefore on the west side of the city that the fortifications were built and thus formed a protective enclosure of the city.

Over time, Fribourg experienced changes in its urban planning and thus disappeared some fortifications. Today, this group of defense constructions forms the most important ensemble of medieval military architecture in Switzerland. Take the opportunity to discover this medieval heritage. Open from 9am to 7pm, the fortifications are accessible during the summer season for an individual visit or with a guide. The fortifications of the city of Fribourg consist of gates and towers connected in part by sections of ramparts (original enclosure).

[More information](https://www.fribourgtourisme.ch/en/Z9484/ramparts-of-fribourg)

The fortifications of the city of fribourg - Fribourg / Freiburg