Freiberg Cathedral, Gothic church in Freiberg, Germany
Freiberg Cathedral is a three-aisled late Gothic hall church with a steep slate roof and two unequal west towers. Its tall pointed windows are divided by a gallery running around the interior, and the choir was remodelled as the Wettin burial chapel. The late Romanesque Golden Gate, a sculpted sandstone portal, stands on the south side.
The original basilica was founded in 1180 when silver mining brought wealth to Freiberg. A fire in 1484 led to reconstruction into the Gothic cathedral that defines the city today.
The nave holds two pulpits side by side: the Tulip Pulpit, carved in 1505 by Master H.W. from light tuff from Chemnitz-Hilbersdorf, and the Miner's Pulpit of 1638 by Hans Fritzsche in Saxon sandstone. The name Dom comes from the collegiate church founded in 1480, dissolved after 57 years during the Reformation.
Guided tours are regularly offered that provide access to key areas including the pulpits and bell tower. Visitors should be aware that services sometimes restrict entry to certain sections.
The church houses two organs by master organ builder Gottfried Silbermann, including a grand instrument with over 2,500 pipes. This craftsmanship from the early 1700s remains one of the finest examples of his work.
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