Dodgy Statues at Freiburg Cathedral
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382036)
Rockingham, Australia
November 28, 2015 6:15pm CST
The Freiburg Cathedral was undergoing restoration work when we were there. In trying to research the church, I kept coming across different facts so I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Several different churches are featured in the slide show. Unfortunately I didn't make enough notes at the time of our visits to name each one.
The Gothic church tower of the red sandstone cathedral was completed in the Middle Ages (1330) and survived the bombing raids of 1944, although subjected to severe vibration. The windows had been taken out of the towering spire at the time. Our friend told us the city was heavily bombed during World War II. The Luftwaffe mistakenly bombed the area near the train station, then, in 1944, 300 bombers of the RAF Bomber Command destroyed a large portion of the city centre. It is believed church spires acted as landmarks for the pilots so weren't subjected to specific attack.
I hope you are able to see some of the many figures that adorn much of the building. Some of the figures are unclothed and in some strange positions. Some don't seem very sacred. The gargoyle drainage pipes were again in evidence. Some were of wild boar and other creatures. In one close-up of the decorative work, you might be able to see the window-boxes full of flowers high on the wall.
You may also be able to pick out the bird netting protecting the statues from pigeons. I wish I had taken more notes at the time of which church was which but at least I have some photos of these lovely buildings.
6 people like this
4 responses
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
29 Nov 15
church gargoyles often behave in a very debauched fashion in their depiction - it can look very strange on a church or cathedral
2 people like this
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
29 Nov 15
This is a city we did not visit but since we always visit the churches I feel as if we have gone there through you slide show
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14749)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
29 Nov 15
Having the youtube feature here really is nice! Imagine what it would cost to do some of those church items today.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382036)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Nov 15
There must be hundreds upon hundreds of figures on this cathedral let alone all the other decorative stuff. I'm glad I learnt to use the YouTube slideshow. The posts would be hopeless really without the photos.





