Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Fribourg

One of the things that I have not tired of visiting is medieval cities and cathedrals. Although often the churches no longer primarily function for the purpose for which they were built, which is sad indeed, from a purely architectural aspect, I find them intriguing. And what is it about being able to visit a walled city is so fascinating? Maybe it is that they don't exist in the US. Maybe it is simply the concept of their age. Maybe it is just the majesty that they imply. Okay, maybe it is that most little girls (including this one) always want to be a princess or Cinderella waiting for Prince Charming to appear on a white horse. (In my case, he was driving a 1969 red Datsun 1600). And a princess just implies, castle and walled city.
Some days I do feel like I'm living a dream, not the days when I'm dealing with the frustrations that come with living abroad, but definitely some days.

The Cathedral of Saint Nicholas was begun in 1283. Almost 200 years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Almost 500 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. And the cathedral was not completed until 1430 with the final tower completed in 1490. Over two hundred years. Can you imagine designing something that you knew would not be completed before you died? Or working on something your entire life and not seeing it finished? (Okay, maybe we can get a glimpse of that with laundry and housework. But it's not quite the same.)If you look carefully in the cathedral you can view 3 different eras of artistic expression, the Gothic edifice of the cathedral itself and the Burial of Christ, the life-sized sculpture from 1433. The Baroque era is show in the choir arch and decorations
and the modern era with the organ and stained glass.

Of course, since there was a bell tower, we climbed it. We have not missed climbing a bell tower yet. This one did surprise me however. It was over 350 steps, round and round and round. I stopped and took a breath periodically. Doubt that Bob did. Although overcast, the views into the Old Town of Fribourg were still fine. I'm sure we were missing out on some Alpine views if it had been a clear day, but there was time for that later.

This cathedral dominates the skyline of the town and is quite interesting to behold. But there is always the sense of the emptiness in these old cathedrals. Much as our walk with Christ can be if it is only the shell of a religion and not a living, breathing relationship.
A great reminder to walk day-by-day.