Shortly after the Duke of Zähringen Bertold V (1186-1218) ascended to the throne, he initiated an ambitious rebuilding of Freiburg's original parish church, which dated from the city's founding phase.
Since the new Minster Church's start date is unknown, the year 1200 is
frequently quoted. Later, the Counts of Freiburg cared for the cathedral that
was "finished "in 1513, although as early as the 14th century, the reins were
in the hands of the citizens of Freiburg. Guilds and Freiburg families were
among the generous donors, and a so-called cathedral factory fund maintained
the building under the control of the city council.
Every year, the council appointed three Münsterpfleger, respected members of the city's society, who usually served for many years. These caretakers regulated the finances and were responsible for the building work. They managed the income of the cathedral factory, lent money and purchased interest, and supervised the expenditure, e.g., for building materials and wages, but also for the furnishings and the necessary "operating resources" inside the church building (candles, vestments, etc.). There was, and there is always something to repair.
The caretakers had to report to the city council on all construction and financial decisions concerning the cathedral. The end of the municipal caretakership of the cathedral came in the 19th century when the city of Freiburg fell to Baden. In 1890, the Münsterbauverein (Freiburg Minster Building Association) was founded. Private civic involvement to preserve the Minster is of the utmost importance.
So, instead of being just a Freiburg Minster Building Association member, you can become a Münsterpfleger for as little as 10 euros a month.
We, the caretakers, are especially spoiled by the Münsterbauverein with social events.
Every year, the council appointed three Münsterpfleger, respected members of the city's society, who usually served for many years. These caretakers regulated the finances and were responsible for the building work. They managed the income of the cathedral factory, lent money and purchased interest, and supervised the expenditure, e.g., for building materials and wages, but also for the furnishings and the necessary "operating resources" inside the church building (candles, vestments, etc.). There was, and there is always something to repair.
The caretakers had to report to the city council on all construction and financial decisions concerning the cathedral. The end of the municipal caretakership of the cathedral came in the 19th century when the city of Freiburg fell to Baden. In 1890, the Münsterbauverein (Freiburg Minster Building Association) was founded. Private civic involvement to preserve the Minster is of the utmost importance.
So, instead of being just a Freiburg Minster Building Association member, you can become a Münsterpfleger for as little as 10 euros a month.
We, the caretakers, are especially spoiled by the Münsterbauverein with social events.
Last Tuesday, the Cathedral Choir gave a one-hour concert for us, the Minster Caretakers.
The choir in action.
Occasionally, I looked furtively over at the Madonna in the
candlelight.
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