Münsterbauhütte (cathedral workshop)

Highly specialized craftsmen have been taking care of the church for over 800 years, as the Münsterbauhütte, one of the most traditional stonemasonry companies in Germany, has existed ever since.

For the people of Freiburg, there is no more important building than the cathedral, and this can be felt everywhere in the city. In order to preserve the masterpiece for future generations, locals are always happy to donate to the upkeep of their landmark, and so it can be restored, cleaned and maintained almost every day of the year. From around 1200 to 1536, the Bauhütte was responsible for the construction of Freiburg Minster and subsequently for its safeguarding and maintenance. Those who worked here in the Middle Ages had made it: the master builders and stonemasons were highly regarded and respected personalities who - in times of strict guild regulations - were granted complete freedom to work as fools. It is said that one stonemason vented his anger over insufficient or unpunctual payment of his salary by placing a very special gargoyle on the south side of the cathedral, the "Hinternentblößer". A naked, human figure with long hair stretches its exposed rear end towards the viewer. Is this legend true? The fact is, however, that the master builders and stonemasons were free to choose their workplace, followed no rules and were the only ones to leave their portraits, names and signs on the building. Today, as then, the most important requirements for working on the cathedral include precision and attention to detail, which are demanded of the 15 employees of the Münsterbauhütte. Since 1911, the stonemasons, stone sculptors and stone technicians have been based in the new building in Schoferstraße, where they check the cathedral for damage and plan and carry out appropriate restoration work. A guided tour will give you a look behind the scenes: In the Bauhüttenmuseum, visitors can marvel at gargoyles, sculptures and finials up close and learn about the challenges faced by the cathedral's master builders. In the workshop, you can look over the shoulders of the stonemasons as they work today.

Author: Nicole Bee