Antique map - Freiburg im Breisgau 1926

Historical plan of Freiburg im Breisgau in 1926 : discover the medieval old town, the cathedral, the former fortifications and the urban planning of this German city at the foot of the Black Forest.

This plan of Freiburg-en-Brisgau, Freiburg im Breisgau in German, shows the city in 1926. Located in the south-west of Germany, in Baden-Württemberg (Baden-Württemberg), Freiburg is located near the French border and Switzerland, at the foot of the Black Forest. Founded in 1120 by Duke Conrad of Zähringen, it developed during the Middle Ages thanks to trade and the exploitation of the region's mining resources. In 1926, the city had around 91,450 inhabitants and was an important university, commercial and cultural centre in south-west Germany. 

The history of Freiburg is marked by its strategic location between the Rhine and the Black Forest. In the 17th century, the city experienced several occupations and sieges during the wars between the European powers. It was notably fortified by Vauban after its conquest by the troops of Louis XIV in 1677. Attached to the Grand Duchy of Baden in 1806, it then underwent significant urban development in the 19th century, encouraged by the arrival of the railway and the rise of its university. The plan of 1926 bears witness to this transformation: the historic centre retains its medieval layout, while the peripheral neighbourhoods and the railways reveal the expansion of the modern city. 

Places and neighbourhoods shown:

- Freiburg Minster (Freiburger Münster) – at the heart of the old town, this Gothic building is one of the city's major monuments. Its construction began around 1200 and was largely completed in the early 16th century. Its western tower, standing around 116 metres tall, dominates the city's roofline. 

- The old town (Altstadt) – the historic centre features a dense network of streets and small squares, inherited from the medieval layout. Founded in 1120, Freiburg still had in 1926 a recognizable urban core, structured around its main commercial thoroughfares and its cathedral. 

- The University of Freiburg – founded in 1457 by Archduke Albert VI of Austria, the university is one of Germany's oldest. For centuries, it has contributed to the city's intellectual and cultural prestige. The plan is part of this university history, which contributes to Freiburg's identity at the beginning of the 20th century. 

- The railway station and railway lines – the railway network, visible in the western part of the plan, bears witness to the city's modernization in the 19th century. Freiburg was connected to the railway network in 1845, which encouraged trade and the expansion of neighbourhoods beyond the old centre. 

- Peripheral neighbourhoods and green spaces – around the dense centre, the plan shows more recent residential neighbourhoods, still largely undeveloped land and undulating terrain. To the east, contour lines highlight the proximity of the first slopes of the Black Forest, while the less urbanized areas remind us that the city remains closely linked to its natural environment.

- The former fortifications – the military history of Freiburg can be seen in the layout of certain areas of the city. Occupied by the French from 1677, the city was transformed into a fortress under Vauban before its fortifications were gradually dismantled. The plan of 1926 shows how the city developed beyond its former defensive perimeter. 

Cartographic reference: this « Plan der Stadt Freiburg im Breisgau » was produced by the municipal surveying department, the Städtisches Vermessungsamt, in 1926. The inscription « Bearbeitet vom Städtischen Vermessungsamt 1926 » appears in the lower margin. The plan is at a scale of 1:20 000 and uses a detailed representation of streets, blocks, railway lines and relief. Its grid of letters and numbers makes it easy to locate the different sectors. The colour palette, with its yellow streets, red buildings and brown contour lines, gives this map a particularly interesting decorative character.

In short: for lovers of Germany, medieval architecture and old maps, this plan of Freiburg-en-Brisgau offers a glimpse of the city in 1926, combining historic heritage, urban development and the landscapes of the Black Forest. Its meticulous design and delicate colours make it an original decorative piece for an interior, an office or a library.

What area does this map of Freiburg-en-Brisgau cover? It shows the centre of Freiburg im Breisgau and its surrounding neighbourhoods, including the old town, the cathedral, the railway lines, the residential areas and the terrain towards the Black Forest.

In what year was this map published? This plan was produced in 1926 by the municipal surveying department of Freiburg-en-Brisgau, as indicated by the printed inscription in its lower margin.

Reproduction of « Plan der Stadt Freiburg im Breisgau », produced in 1926 by the Städtisches Vermessungsamt of Freiburg-en-Brisgau.

Printed on textured art paper 200 g/m². Portrait orientation, standard sizes 50x70 and 70x100 : easy to frame.