Adelhauser Kirche: A Sanctuary of History and Mysticism

The Adelhauser Kirche, located on Adelhauser Straße in Freiburg im Breisgau, is more than just a church; it's a testament to the city's resilience and spiritual heritage. Constructed in 1687, the church and its surrounding Adelhauser New Convent arose from the amalgamation of four medieval Dominican convents. These convents, namely the women's convents of the Annunciation and St. Katharina from 1237 and 1297 in the village of Adelhausen as well as St. Agnes and St. Magdalena, south of the Dreisam, were important monasteries in Freiburg. These original monastic centers were largely destroyed during the Thirty Years' War and the siege of Freiburg by the French.The Adelhauser convents were once hubs of Christian mysticism during the Middle Ages, fostering the search for direct experiences with God through meditation. Following their destruction, the new baroque Adelhaus monastery was erected in the Schneckenvorstadt district under the direction of French fortress engineer Jean La Douze. The four-winged monastery complex is arranged around a square inner courtyard and is still very well preserved in its structure and large parts of the furnishings.Over the centuries, the Adelhauser complex has served various roles. When Emperor Joseph II abolished the cloister in 1786, the new monastery continued to exist as the 'Female Teaching and Educational Institute Adelhausen'. Later, the building was used to teach girls until the last century. Today, the church remains active, offering regular mass services. The buildings now serve as a school, office, and museum. Visitors can admire the architecture, including the baroque altar inside the church, and explore the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art.