Old Town

Fribourg, Drei-Seen-Land and The Jura


The 12th-century Old Town was laid out in simple fashion, with Grand-Rue as the main street and parallel Rue des Chanoines and Rue des Bouchers devoted to markets, church and civic buildings. The settlement later spread downhill to the river: the bridges here – stone Pont du Milieu (Middle Bridge; 1720) and covered Pont du Berne (1250) – offer great views.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Fribourg, Drei-Seen-Land and The Jura attractions

1. Cathédrale St Nicolas de Fribourg

0.09 MILES

Before entering this brooding 13th-century Gothic cathedral, contemplate the main portal with its 15th-century sculptured portrayal of the Last Judgment…

2. Hôtel de Ville

0.17 MILES

Fribourg's late-Gothic town hall dominates the heart of the Old Town. Just to the side, you'll find the 500-year-old symbol of the city, the Tilleul de…

3. Basilique de Notre-Dame de Fribourg

0.19 MILES

The highlight of this church is an 18th-century Crèche Napolitaine featuring 75 figurines re-enacting the nativity, annunciation and scenes from daily…

4. Tilleul de Morat

0.19 MILES

Legend has it that in 1476 a messenger sprinted from Murten to Fribourg to relay the joyous news that the Swiss had defeated Charles the Bold…only to drop…

5. Musée Gutenberg

0.2 MILES

Embark on a voyage of the printed word in this printing and communication museum, housed in a 16th-century granary and with a multimedia show to bring the…

6. Pont de Berne

0.21 MILES

Built in 1250, this covered wooden bridge is one of the oldest in Switzerland and has been under constant renovation over the centuries.

8. Planche Supérieure

0.22 MILES

Cross Pont du Milieu and head west towards this broad, sloping square, which features the former Commanderie de St Jean, erected by the Knights of the…