The Cordeliers Church houses masterpieces: Gothic altarpieces, stalls, painted and sculpted works.

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The first construction of the Cordeliers Church dates back to 1275, when Franciscans from Basel settled in Fribourg to found a monastery that quickly grew in importance. From the 15th century, this vast church hosted assemblies of the city's bourgeoisie. The city's distinguished guests were frequently accommodated in the convent.

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During this period, the church was enriched with works of art, including three renowned altarpieces. The Carnation Altarpiece is the largest and most important painting on wooden panels in Switzerland in the second half of the 15th century.

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The incomplete St. Anthony Altarpiece is signed and dated: Hans Fries, 1506. The so-called Furno Altarpiece, a real gem from 1518, is a triptych in gilded relief.

 

The current nave dates from the 18th century. You have to look up to admire this tall, bright vessel: a late Baroque trompe-l'oeil decoration sits next to Gothic keystones. In the cloister, you can see paintings from the 15th century: the 6 scenes from the cycle of the Virgin by Pierre Maggenberg, dating from 1440.

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