Opening of the Platz der alten Synagoge in Freiburg

On 2 August 2017, the Platz der alten Synagoge was opened to the public after a redevelopment period of almost 16 months.

KREBS+KIEFER planned and was involved with extensive renovation work for the Gewerbekanals that traverses it.

The construction project, which cost EUR 9.3 million, involved a new tramline which crossed Rotteckring in the area bordering the square. Until 1938, the square was home to the synagogues that served the Jewish community in Freiburg, which were destroyed during the so-called Night of Broken Glass. The new square followed the outline of the old synagogues in a water basin and a plaque has been erected that tells the history of the synagogues. In his opening speech, Lord Mayer Dr Dieter Salomon thanks all those involved in the work as well as the citizens of Freiburg for their patience during the construction work. The newly designed square moves the centre of Freiburg closer to the central train station and invites travellers and students at the adjacent university to spend time relaxing.

The opening signalled the start of the commissioning of the various fountains, which were instantly used for cooling down in the radiant sunshine.