There are seven main types of bridges: the beam, the truss, the arch, the suspension, the cantilever, tied-arch, and the cable-stayed.
The capital Freiburg/Fribourg not only creates the cultural bridge between the German and French areas of Switzerland, but it also boasts numerous bridges with interesting architecture. There are 14 bridges in total in the urban area, with the oldest built in the 13th century. The newest, called Poya Bridge, which was completed in 2014, is an impressive cable-stayed bridge with the longest distance between two piers nationwide.
The canton (state) of Fribourg is bilingual, with French spoken by more than two thirds of the citizens and German by a little more than a quarter. Both are official languages in the canton. The canton takes its name from its capital city of Fribourg.
Today I decided to visit Fribourg/Freiburg which is halfway between Geneva and Zurich. Although the town is relatively small, some places surely delight me. This university town attracts students from all over the world. It has impressive Gothic architecture and is one of the largest medieval cities in Switzerland.
Fribourg/Freiburg is surrounded by the Sarine River, whose beauty is complemented by stunning architecture.
This wonderful city is located near the Gruyere region, so you can use it as a base to visit other small towns. This section of Switzerland is beautiful, but Michael and I prefer the Berner Oberland.
Fribourg consists of many bridges and is considered as the platform, which unites the French and German-speaking Switzerland.
"The Bern Bridge is the first construction over the course of the Saane between the Gruyère region and its confluence with the Aare near Laupen. It probably already existed in 1275 and was made entirely of wood at the time. The construction principle originated with the Celts and was adopted by the Romans. The distance between the pillars was about eight meters. The bridge was protected by barriers and was covered. As the city's calculations show, it was often damaged during floods and was even destroyed in 1402. Therefore, the wooden pillars were replaced by four brick ones around 1526. In 1653 a single pillar replaced its predecessors. The roadway remained wooden, but now had to span about 20 meters. In the course of the last decades the construction was reinforced by metal parts."
Bern Bridge
Middle Bridge, Pont du Milieu
"In 1259, the Maltese, who emerged from the Johanniter, received a piece of land in Fribourg/Freiburg to be able to provide help for the sick and travelers. The order established a commandery and built a hospice and a cemetery. The place was separated from the city by the river and the rocks. It was also at this time that the Maigrauge Abbey, a Cistercian convent, and a hospital in Bürglen (Bourguillon) were built. The construction of another bridge into the town was necessary. It has been attested since 1279 and was called the Middle Bridge after the construction of the Saint John Bridge (attested in 1353). The structure was continuously damaged and required expensive maintenance. Therefore, in the 18th century, it was replaced. Despite increasing traffic, the bridges have not been widened, much to the chagrin of pedestrians, so as not to detract from the characteristic silhouette in the old quarters."
Looking at the city from the bridge.
St John‘s Bridge
"The Sarine River adorns the city, so it is not surprising that there are many beautiful medieval bridges. One that stands out is St. John's Bridge, which dates back to 1259. It was built so that workers could more easily get to the old town."
The Great Suspension Bridge and its successor
"At the beginning of the 19th century, the Saane had lost its importance as a defensive position and the people of Freiburg demanded an easier transition. New iron bridges were built. Joseph Chaley, a former officer wounded at Waterloo, met Marc Seguin, inventor and designer. He came to Freiburg in 1830 and agreed to build the bridge for 300,000 francs. He was also granted the right to levy a bridge toll for 40 years. Should the bridge cost more than the agreed amount, this would be at his expense. The Great Suspension Bridge consisted of a wooden deck reinforced by a parapet, which was suspended from four wire ropes. The cables were anchored in the rock. The portals were built by Seguin from Fribourg Molasse in a monumental Doric style. At that time, the construction was the longest suspension bridge in the world with a span of 265 m, attracting visitors from all countries. In 1924 the suspension bridge had to be replaced by a concrete structure and is now called the Zähringer Bridge. Its dubious aesthetics destroyed the elegance of the Belle Epoque."
"The 'Pont de Zaehringen' offers great views, down to Bern Bridge and the nearby fortifications around the Cat's Tower, but also towards the old quarter of Bourg, which it connects with the Schoenberg quarter on the other side of the Sarine river. The views are a bit impaired due to the nets that have been put up on the sides to prevent suicide attempts."
Another bridge as seen from the Pont de Zaehringen.
Care to take the steps down?
"The bridge, inaugurated in 1924, is built of stone and has six big arches. Below is an underbridge, which connects town quarters, like the one of Au, closer to the river. Before this bridge was built, there stood at its place a suspension bridge, which used to have the longest span in the world after it opened to the public in 1834."
Poya Bridge
"After one has passed an oversized roundabout that surrounds St. Bartholomew's Chapel like an octopus, the pillars of the Poya Bridge gradually come into his field of vision. This structure, named after La Poya Castle at the western end of the bridge, was opened in 2014 and allows motorised traffic to bypass the old town around St. Nicholas Cathedral. The historic buildings there have long suffered from air pollution. The Poya Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge with a 196 m span, a Swiss record. The bridge is also accessible to pedestrians and offers a magnificent view both towards the old town and the surrounding area. If the pilgrim chooses this route, he will come directly to the shady promenade and the Murtentor, an entrance to the old town."
As you explore the city, you will come across 11 medieval fountains. Some examples date back to the 15th century and serve to provide the city's residents with clean, potable water. Each fountain is made in a different architectural style and bears unique names: Strength, Courage, Loyalty. Interestingly, Fribourg built several fountains in the 16th century to compete with its rival, Bern. The fountains in Fribourg are in great need of repair. There is no comparison between the fountains in Fribourg and of those in Bern.
"Fribourg is located on both sides of the river Saane/Sarin , on the Swiss Plateau. It is a major economic, administrative and educational center on the cultural border between German speaking and French speaking Switzerland. Its Old Town, one of the best-maintained in Switzerland, sits on a small rocky hill above the valley of the Sarine. In 2018, it had a population of 38,365."
"The region around Fribourg has been settled since the Neolithic period, although few remains have been found. These include some flint tools found near Bourguillon, as well as a stone hatchet and bronze tools. A river crossing was located in the area during the Roman Era. The main activity in the Swiss plateau bypassed the area to the north, however, and was instead centered around the valley of the river Broye and Aventicum. Therefore, only a few remains from the Roman era have been found in Fribourg. These include the traces of a wall foundation on the plains near Pérolles."
"The town was founded as Freiburg in 1157 by Berthold IV, Duke of Zähringen. Its name is derived from German frei(free) and Burg (for). Its most ancient part is conveniently located on a former peninsula of the river Sarine, protected on three sides by steep cliffs. The easily defended city helped the Dukes of Zähringen to strengthen and extend their power in the Swiss plateau in the area between the Aare and La Sarine."
"Beginning at the time of its inception, Fribourg built a city-state; initially, the land it controlled lay some distance away. When the dukes of Zähringen died out in 1218, the city was transferred to the related Kyburg family. They granted the city its former privileges and wrote the municipal laws in the so-called Handfeste in 1249, in which the legal, institutional, and economic organizations were established. Several treaties with neighboring city-states, including Avenches (1239), Bern (1243), and Mort (Murten) (1245), were signed at this time."
"The city was sold to the Habsburgs in 1277. Trade and industry began as early as the mid-13th century. In the early period, Fribourg consisted of four distinct inner-city districts: Burg, Au, La Neuveville, and Spital. The city developed rapidly, which led to its first expansion: the Burg district expanded to the west in 1224, a town was established across the river in 1254, and in 1280 development began near Place Python. These expansions reflect the economic boom in Fribourg. The 14th century was dominated by trade, and cloth and leather production, which brought the city renown in Central Europe by 1370. In 1339, Fribourg participated alongside the Habsburgs and the County of Burgundy in the Battle of Lauren against Bern and its Swiss Confederacy allies.
The treaty with Bern was renewed in 1403. The leaders of the city began a territorial acquisition, in which they gradually brought more nearby land under their control. This laid the groundwork for the Canton of Fribourg. By 1442, the city had control of all the land within about 20 kilometers (12 mi), on both sides of the Saane. It was therefore directly controlled by the city leaders, not by any intermediate administration."
"The mid-15th century was shaped by various military conflicts. First, considerable losses in a war against Savoy had to be made good. The Savoyard influence on the city grew, and the Habsburgs ceded it to them in 1452. It remained under the control of Savoy until the Burgundian Wars in 1477. As an ally of Bern, Fribourg participated in the war against Charles I of Burgundy, thereby bringing more land under its control."
"After the city was released from the sphere of influence of Savoy, it attained the status of Free Imperial City in 1478. The city and its canton joined he Swiss Confederation in 1481, and has long influenced Swiss and European Catholism. In the 16th century, Fribourg continued to grow, first following the invasion of Pays de Vaud in 1536 with the help of Bern, and then in 1554 through the annexation of land formerly controlled by the Count of Gruyère."
"Several prominent families developed as a result of the cloth and leather trade, beginning in the 14th century, including Gottrau, Lanthen, Affry, Diesbach (originally from Bern), von der Weid, Fegeli, and Weck. Together with the local nobles (the Maggenberg, Düddingen/Velga, Montenach, Englisberg and Praroman families) they formed the 15th century patrician class. This contributed to the decline of the cloth trade, however, as the families involved in the industry began to be more concerned with governing the city and its surrounding possessions."
"An important milestone for the politics of the city was reached in 1627, when the patricians drew up a new constitution, in which they declared that they were the only people capable of ruling the city, and thereby took control of all voting rights. This consolidated the oligarchy which had begun to form as early as the 15th century."
"The monasteries of Fribourg have always formed a center of religious culture, which includes architecture, sculpture, and painting, and have contributed to the culture of the city. The Franciscan monastery was donated by Jakob von Riggisberg in 1256. In early times, it was closely associated with the city council, because it housed the city archives, and its monastery church was used for town meetings until 1433."
"Similarly, the Augustinian monastery was founded in the mid-13th century and enjoyed the support of the noble Velga family for a long time. Additionally, La Maigrauge Abbey has existed since 1255, and has belonged to the Cistercians since 1262. An important institution was the public hospital, opened in the mid-13th century, which provided services for the poor."
"During the Reformation, Fribourg remained Catholic, although it was nearly surrounded by the Protestant Bern. This led to repeated conflicts over religion in border regions, and in areas controlled jointly by Fribourg and Bern. The city was a major center of Counter-Reformation. At the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th, new monasteries were established in the city, including: a Capuchin monastery (1608), another on Bisemberg (1621), an Ursuline monastery (1634), and a Visitandine monastery (1635). The most influential monastery, however, was that of the Jesuits, which contributed to a large extent to the advancement and prosperity of the city. It established the College of Saint Michael in 1582, the theological faculty of which formed the basis of the University of Fribourg. The concept of an objective press was also begun by the Jesuits."
Did you know at one time Michael was studying to be a Capuchin monk? Brother Michael......
In 1613, Fribourg became the seat of the Bishop of Lausanne, who, after the Reformation, was forced first into Evian, and then into exile in Burgundy. Today it is the seat of the Diocese of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg.
'The later 19th and the 20th century brought about drastic changes to the city's culture and physical nature. In 1848, the city wall was partially torn down and a new bridge constructed across the Saane/La Sarine. The opening of the midland railway line through the city in 1862 led to the development of a "railway station quarter" of the city. The improved transportation enabled Fribourg to undergo industrialization. The city center shifted from the Old City to the new Train Station quarter. Extensive areas in Pérolles, Beauregard and Vignettaz were developed with industry or houses around 1900. The inauguration of the university in 1889 was an important event in Fribourg. Another economic boon to the city was the opening of the nearby A12 highway.'
"An ancient charter of the city mentions a parish church of Saint-Nicolas located in the city of Fribourg in 1177. The same charter confirms the existence of a cemetery built around the church.
The church of St. Nicholas was consecrated in 1182 by the Bishop of Lausanne, Roger de Vico Pisano."
"It was in 1370 that a decree of the Council launched the construction of the tower. In order to make available the financial means necessary for the realization, the Council stipulates that, in the case of inheritance, the heirs must pay the equivalent in cash of the value of the most precious garment of the deceased, as in Fribourg-en-Brisgau. In 1490, the construction of the tower was completed. It took a hundred years to build the highest tower of the Swiss Confederation. A real skyscraper at the time.
St. Nicholas Cathedral, the town’s landmark, whose construction began in 1283, depicts a bas relief of the Last Judgement on the main door, has magnificent glass windows, wonderful old organs and the 74-meter high observation tower. The patron saint is St. Nicholas. Climb the 365 steps, and you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view! There are plenty of steps to climb around the city instead."
Last Judgement
The Fribourg Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral, built in the Gothic style, on a rocky outcrop 50 meters above the river Sarine (Saane), dominating the medieval town below. It is the episcopal seat of the Dioceses of Lausanne, Geneva, and Fribourg.
The main body of the church was started in 1283 and completed by 1430.
Lit candles for family and friends.
Sacred Heart of Jesus
"The grand organ was built by Fribourg's Aloys Mooser between 1824 to 1834 which is considered one of finest examples of Swiss classical organs. Apart from being an architectural marvel, this cathedral also serves as cultural hub hosting variety of events throughout year like concerts (especially organ recitals), exhibitions and religious ceremonies adding more dimensions to visitor’s experience. It has been home to Fribourg International Organ Festival since 1996 attracting music lovers worldwide. The instrument has 60 stops on four manuals and pedals. Musicians such as Franz Liszt and Anton Bruckner have played this organ."
The tower was completed in 1490. It is 76 meters (250ft) tall and houses 11 bells.
"The cathedral also features a rose window above the main portal with stained glass by Harrison Weltlich (1988). The stained-glass windows, designed by the Polish painter Jozef Mehoffer and made by local craftsmen Kirsch & Fleckner between 1896 and 1936, constitute one of the most important collections of religious Art Nouveau stained glass windows."
St Sepulchre tomb The burial of Christ
The group of thirteen statues that make up the Mise au tombe tomb, is the most important set of the late Middle Ages in Switzerland. It is the largest and most visible funeral group finished in 1433.
Wished the sun had been shining brightly so the colors from the window would have cast colors on the sculptures, walls, and floor.
Originally a parish church, in 1945 it became the cathedral of the Diocese of Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg.
Because of the construction in front of the cathedral, you had to enter by the side entrance.
Assume they are looking for artifacts.
Fribourg is not a city to explore if you have bad knees; do not like walking up and down hills; walking up and down steps; or walking on cobblestones!!!!!!!
"The parish of St-Jean is located in the old town section between the hill of Lorette and the banks of the Sarine. The parish of St-Jean also contains many places of prayer, chapels and small oratories.
This small bilingual parish of 1,200 souls covers the district of La Neuveville, in the Old Town of Fribourg.There has been parish life in St-Jean since the beginning of the 16th century. It was not until 1924 that the parish of St-Jean was organized as an independent territorial parish.
In 1478-1480, the church received new bays on the south wall of the nave and the bell tower was enlarged to receive a new bell cast by Henslin Follare."
"It was in 1511 that La Planche was detached from the parish of Tavel and the church erected as a parish. The terms of the treaty specified that the Commander had to provide for pastoral functions. He was responsible for the maintenance of all objects of worship, which was already done previously.
The eminent qualities of Commander Pierre d'Englisberg (1504-1545) as an administrator, his zeal and his bravery, his tireless activity, his charity towards the humble, his amenity and his high intelligence won him the esteem and affection of all his contemporaries. Thus, the Knight Pierre d'Englisberg was the typical model of the Knight of St-Jean de Jérusalem .
Not only did he restore the commandery of Fribourg , but he also devoted all his care to the parish. He restored the church, built the sacristy, provided it with all the objects necessary for worship, always maintained two ecclesiastics for religious service and pastoral ministry. Everywhere, not only in Fribourg, but also in Bern, Basel, Lucerne, Commander Peter of Englisberg was the object of admiration and esteem of all those who knew him.
Also, almost all the commanderies of Switzerland made it an honor to have him at their head."
"The Church of St. John is a church of medieval origin. It is associated with the Knights Templar.
The choir and the nave were consecrated in 1264 under the patronage of the Virgin and Saint John the Baptist. The bell tower, built in 1281, then received a bell, preserved (one of the oldest in the canton of Fribourg), and which was removed in 1981. Shortly before 1385, Commander Guillaume Huser (1364-1385) had a canopied chapel with his coat of arms built to the south-east of the nave, then two other chapels of the same type were built towards the end of the14th century.
Decided to take the funicular to reach the new part of the city and get to the train station. It beats walking or trying to find the bus stop.
Lots or steps to climb to go from the older part of the city to the newer section.
The Fribourg funicular, the “Funi”, is part of the public transport system and is listed in the inventory of national cultural assets. It started running between the town center and the lower town in 1899 and is the only remaining water ballast-powered funicular railway in Switzerland. The ballast drive is economical and never runs out, even if it is not entirely odorless: municipal waste water! Not too bad of a smell.
Until tomorrow..
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