Basler Hof (Regional Council)

Of dark sides and foolish laughter. The history of the Basler Hof is a very eventful and moving one: At the end of the 15th century, several town houses had to make way for the prestigious secular building, as Konrad Stürzel, court chancellor of the Austrian Emperor Maximilian I, had a city palace built on his behalf.

Over the following centuries, the building changed hands frequently. Among other things, it served as a residence and administrative building for the Basel cathedral chapter from 1587. The name Basler Hof also dates back to this time.

When the French troops under Vauban expanded Freiburg into a gigantic fortress almost 100 years later, they took up residence in the prestigious building. In 1687, King Louis XIV also spent the night in the Basler Hof to inspect his conquered territories during a flying visit.

The dark and little-known side of the medieval building took place during the Second World War, when the Gestapo abused and tortured opponents of the regime in the cellar from 1933 to 1941. However, as the Basler Hof was completely destroyed in the bombing raid of November 27, 1944, there is hardly any written evidence of the atrocities.

Following the faithful reconstruction of the Basler Hof with its Renaissance portal, it has been the seat of the President of the Government of Freiburg since 1952. Since then, peace has returned. Only once a year, when the fifth season of the year is ushered in, do the carnival jesters provide loud and cheerful laughter.

Author: Nicole Bee