With its redbrick exterior and whitewashed Baroque interior, the University Church stands apart from the other churches in Freiburg. Built in 1683 for the Freiburg Jesuit College and given to the university at the end of the 18th century, it acts as a religious center for the university and one of its most beloved performance venues. Enjoy a program or simply visit for its art and ambiance, perfect for thinking through a particularly thorny philosophical problem.
Admire the brick façade, rendered even more charming by the oxidized copper street lamps that line the street outside. Notice the two statues standing at either side of the door, beaming beneficently down at the parishioners going in and out.
Pause before the church’s most distinctive artwork, Franz Gutmann’s Gekreuzigten or Crucified, a monumental statue of Jesus with no arms and an outsized crown of thorns. Gutmann studied Catholic theology at the University of Freiburg and made a permanent and somewhat controversial loan of the piece to the University Church in 1988.
Return in the evening, when the area comes alive with terraces full of people snacking on Flammkuchen (German pizza) with a glass of local wine. If the timing is right, head inside with the crowds to enjoy a concert put on by the university’s many music groups. Performers take full advantage of the outstanding acoustics and organ of the church. Sit in a pew and close your eyes, letting the sound wash over you as it bounces off the simple walls.
Despite its name, the University Church stands in the streets of Freiburg’s Old Town, a 5-minute walk from the main campus of Albert-Ludwigs-Universität. Walk here in 1 minute from Bertoldsbrunnen(Bertold's Fountain) or in 10 minutes from Freiburg’s main train station. Take a tram from the train station in 7 minutes. The Freiburg Cathedral is located a 5-minute walk away. Limited metered parking is available in Freiburg’s Old Town, but the area is best explored on foot. The University Church is technically open all day, every day, but this can vary test the door as you walk by.
