Historical Merchants' Hall — Attraction in Freiburg im Breisgau

The historic Kaufhaus is one of the outstanding buildings in Freiburg im Breisgau. It is located on the south side of Münsterplatz, which dominates it with its red facade. The first municipal department store as a construction of the municipal market administration for goods handling and customs clearance in Freiburg was built in the 14th century in the Schusterstraße, the first mention dates to 1378. From 1520 was the north of the old department store today's building to the cathedral square overlooking the Freiburg Minster built. The conclusion of the "New Department Store" is dated 1532. The architect of the building is not properly documented, it is believed that it was one of the time working at the Freiburg Minster master builder, perhaps Lienhart Mülleraus Ettlingen acted. The kaufhaus was later redesigned several times. In 1550 it was supplemented by a balcony, after the sieges of the city in 1714 and 1744 war damage had to be eliminated, in 1814 the facade was painted by Simon Göser. 1880/84, the building was remodeled according to the zeitgeschmack historicizing and provided with new dormer windows in the manner of the Hôtel-Dieu of Beaune. In 1924/25, according to plans by city construction director Karl Gruber, the changes of 1884 were reversed and the department store was restored to its previous state, from 1987 to 1991 and 2000 the last extensive renovations were carried out. From 1947 to 1951 served the historic department store as a parliament building of the state of...

The Historisches Kaufhaus (Historic Merchants’ Hall) is a Renaissance-era building on Freiburg’s Münsterplatz. Completed in 1530, it served as the city’s administrative and commercial hub, housing customs offices, trade rooms, and storage for goods. The building’s striking deep red façade and richly decorated oriel windows reflect the wealth and civic pride of Freiburg during the height of its trade with the Upper Rhine and Alpine regions.

The façade is adorned with coats of arms, decorative sculpture, and four statues of Habsburg emperors—Maximilian I, Charles V, Ferdinand I, and Rudolph II—added in the late 16th century, emphasizing the city's loyalty...

This striking historic building captures attention with its vibrant red façade, intricate gold detailing, and elegant bay windows. The steep, tiled roof and ornate statues add to its grandeur, while the arched entrances create a sense of openness and welcome. The overall design beautifully blends Gothic and Renaissance elements, offering a strong sense of character and historical richness.

Easily the most visually striking building in the...