Freising’s delightful historic quarter
Freising invites you to feel the pulse of history
The bustling historic quarter of this cathedral city extends between Cathedral Hill and Weihenstephan Hill. Rows of magnificent residences that were once the homes of prosperous burghers and cathedral canons flank the busy market street. Their colourful facades with richly detailed ornamentation create the quarter’s uniquely spellbinding atmosphere. The focal point of this historic architectural ensemble is Marienplatz, with its Marian column dating from 1674 as a conspicuous landmark. The square is the centre of celebrations at city festivals. The Upper Old Town (Obere Hauptstraße) is home to the farmers´ market, which takes place twice a week. Lined with attractive boutiques and stores stocking unusual and exclusive products plus cosy cafes and restaurants, it’s an inviting spot to linger, shop and indulge yourself. The heart of the historic city is a popular meeting-point for locals and visitors alike.
Marienplatz documents important stages in Freising’s history
To the south is the Asamgebäude, once the prince-bishops’ college. The west wing of this magnificent Baroque building contains the most magnificent ceremonial hall in Freising: the Asamsaal, named after Georg Asam, who created the glorious ceiling frescoes in 1709. The city museum, also located in the Asamgebäude, brings history to life as a vivid and immediate experience. (Please note that the building is currently undergoing restoration and will not be accessible again until April 2024.)
On the west side of the market square is the imposing Town Hall, built in 1904/5 to echo the style of German late medieval and Renaissance official buildings. Behind it soars the Late Gothic Church of St George, rightly famous for one of Old Bavaria’s most beautiful Baroque towers. Intrepid visitors that climb the 84 metres to the balustrade (open every Saturday afternoon from May to October - currently closed for renovation) are richly rewarded with magnificent views.
A few steps further, behind the church and on Rindermarkt (the former cattle market), the Zierer-Haus is a stunningly beautiful sight. The lavishly ornamented stucco façade of this former burgher’s residence makes it one of the region’s loveliest rococo buildings.
At the south-east corner of the square is the Marcushaus. Built in the 16th century, it bears testimony to Freising’s status as a trading and mercantile centre – and to the fate experienced by its Jewish citizens in the Third Reich. A plaque commemorates its owner in that era, Marcus Lewin, and further Jewish families that fell victim to Nazi persecution.
Freising's historic city centre as a miniature model
The Domberg and Freising's historic city centre cast in bronze on a scale of 1:650 - to look at and touch: since the end of October 2023, a model of the city centre has been located next to the fountain on Untere Hauptstraße. Every street and every building can be found here. The sights and streets are also labelled in normal and Braille. Touching is therefore expressly permitted. The new work of art, donated by the Rotary Club of Freising on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, is already a crowd-puller. Get an overview of our historic city centre with the filigree bronze model.
Interesting facts: 150 kilograms in weight, 147 x 89 centimetres in size, up to 80 centimetres high, created by sculptor Egbert Broerken
A favourite spot around every corner
Every Freising inhabitant has a list of favourite places in the historic quarter, where imposing burghers’ residences and former breweries rub shoulders with artisans’ houses, open streams flow along the streets, and enchanting overgrown gardens hide away. It’s so easy to let yourself be caught up in the moment and drink in these beautiful surroundings. Seek out your own personal favourite spot! But don’t miss our three unique spots in the historic old quarter:
- Marienplatz with Town Hall: The historical centre of the burghers’ city, and still Freising’s hotspot today. The square is a meeting-point, a popular photo subject, a marketplace and a spot to linger and let the world go by. Start your exploration of Freising here.
- The Zierer-Haus: This ancient burghers’ house with superbly restored façade is home to the city’s Registry Office today. The façade is a popular background for wedding photographs –and tourist snapshots. This architectural jewel is on Marienplatz.
- Views over the historic quarter from on high: From the tower of St George’s Church, you have stunning panoramic views over the old city and Cathedral Hill, and further to Neustift and Weihenstephan. The viewing platform is at a height of around 45 metres and is reached by 220 steps. Due to extensive renovation work, it is possible to climb the tower again in 2024 at the earliest.
