St. Nicolas Cathedral has been a big part of Fribourg’s religious life for more than 500 years. Construction of this stunning Gothic masterpiece started toward the end of the 13th century and was completed in 1490. Note the building’s huge west tower, the most prominent feature of the town center skyline. Inside it are religious art treasures that draw admiring glances.
Before your self-guided tour of the cathedral's interior, study the grand 14th-century main entrance, adorned with religious statues.
Once inside, browse many other sculpted works of art. These include carvings on the choir's wooden stalls and life-size statues depicting the entombment of Christ. View the centuries-old restored paintings on the nave's vaults.
Stop at the main altar, in front of the gates of the choir. It is carved with Biblical scenes related to the Exodus, when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. Visit the numerous side altars and chapels, many of which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries and are richly decorated with paintings. In the first chapel on the left side of the cathedral are the remains of a wall painting from the first half of the 14th century.
Climb more than 300 steps to the top of the 249-foot (76-meter) tower for lofty views of the entire town.
When you are back down at ground level, continue your tour of the church by examining the stained-glass windows. Many of the works are from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Step into the treasury to see relics and historical art treasures, including part of an arm of St. Nicolas de Myre, the cathedral's patron saint.
Find St. Nicolas Cathedral in the center of the medieval city of Fribourg, about a 15-minute walk from the railway station. The cathedral is open daily. The tower is open from the beginning of April until the end of October and charges an admission fee. Tours of the treasury are by appointment only. For details, visit the cathedral's website.
