Fribourg, Fribourg Region
A medieval unity unique in Europe.
Timeframes converge upon Fribourg. The old part of town proudly lines up thousands of medieval mansions hiding historical treasures set in a perfectly upkept artistic heritage. Fribourg is a modern town where exchanging viewpoints and open-mindedness will inevitably lead you to charming cafés, restaurants or to see a show.
Founded in 1157 by Duke Berthold IV of Zaehringen and sheltered from the ravages of history, Fribourg is an important volume in the complete set of Western civilization and its old town, one of the biggest Medieval architectural ensembles in Europe. Wherever you go, wherever you look, you come across a surprise, make your way through the centuries, architecture from the past and other objects made by traditional handcrafts as well as modern work. Fribourg is a city that preserves its past and remains open to the future.
Art and History have woven a bond of love in Fribourg. Eight centuries of artistic creation have shaped its prestige, perpetuated by many contemporary artists such as Jean Tinguely whose works have gained international acclaim.
Churches and monasteries shaped the Catholic Fribourg's outlook during the Reform while the cathedral, structured on medieval and baroque foundations, stands to symbolise the Bourgeois' conquered autonomy at the end of the Middle Ages. No other town in Switzerland holds dear as many works of Art within the walls of its churches.
Who can pretend to know a city where mystery and well-kept secrets pop up around the corner at most unexpected moments? Even Vivaldi's Four Seasons would be hard put to describe the fall season in Fribourg and spring time may bud out favorably to doubt the reality of sights even well-trained eyes see on the horizon. Am I really where I think I am, that's the question one might ask when Latin sunrays warm the city or when the North Wind (bise) sweeps dark clouds away.
Alexandre Dumas wrote: "this town is the work of a whimsical architect after a heavy meal", indeed. Often compared to Bern, Fribourg is a challenge to urbanism, knows right angles not!
The Bourg, Auge and Neuveville districts form the heart of Fribourg's old part of town and take their roots in the 12th to the 17th centuries.
Fribourg's medieval integrity is unique in Europe, maybe even on a world-wide basis! Coherence is the key word and perfectly describes the way churches, public monuments and the numerous "bourgeois" mansions have been set and preserved along the winding Sarine River. Do take a close look at the wonderful fountains created by Geiler and Gieng.
Museum often rhymes with ancient and boring. However, Fribourg's museums set forth open-mindedness. The Art and History Museum as well as the Natural History Museum showing off attractive gardens stand for tradition while the Espace Jean Tinguely, the Niki de Saint Phalle Arts Complex and Fri-Art bring home the latest artistic trends. Do visit the surprising Puppet, Sewing Machine and Beer museums or stop by the Kuriosium.
Ideally located within the European and Swiss road networks, Fribourg has much to offer for you to optimize chances to successful business meetings, seminars and all kinds of conferences.