Schwabentor (Swabian Gate), Freiburg

The Swabian Gate, is one of the two remaining city gates from the medieval defensive wall of Freiburg. This historic gate has a rich history and is renowned for its architectural significance. In fact, it was suggested for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2022.

The gate tower, which was constructed around 1250, initially faced inward toward the city and was only enclosed with a stone wall in 1547. A stair turret was added in 1572, and in the same year, Matthias Schwäri painted an intriguing picture on the inner wall depicting a merchant with a cart. This painting later gave rise to a local legend involving a Swabian man who arrived in Freiburg with two barrels supposedly filled with gold, intending to purchase the town. However, the barrels were discovered to contain only sand and pebbles, leading to ridicule. It turned out that the Swabian man's wife had secretly replaced the gold with the worthless fillings before his departure.

Until the year 1900, the Swabian Gate underwent minimal alterations. At that point, it experienced a significant transformation, nearly doubling in height according to the design by Carl Schäfer. The gate was adorned with a crow-stepped gable inspired by the towers of Northern Germany. In 1903, Fritz Geiges added a painting on the exterior featuring Freiburg's city patron, Saint George, portrayed as a dragon hunter. Further modifications occurred in 1913 when a bell turret with an onion dome was added during this renovation.
The inner arch of the Swabian Gatefeatures a Romanesque depiction of the "Boy with Thorn," an ancient figurine interpreted in a Christian context to symbolize humanity's enduring struggle with original sin.

Since 1969, the Schwabentor has housed a small private museum known as the Zinnfigurenklause (German for "Tin Figure Nook"). This museum showcases various historical scenes from the region using approximately 9,000 tin figures in dioramas. The exhibits predominantly depict events related to the freedom movements in southern Germany, including the Battle of Sempach, peasant revolts, and the 1848 Revolution in Baden, as well as moments from the Protestant Reformation era.

The adjacent Swabian Gate Bridge was constructed in the year 1970 and serves as a vital link between two significant landmarks: the Freiburg Salt Road and Freiburg's Schlossberg. Spanning approximately 25 meters in length, the Schwabentorsteg is not just a practical means of crossing; it also seamlessly integrates into the picturesque historical ambiance of Freiburg's old town.