The Hôtel Cantonal opens its doors to the public
Following the renovation and conversion work carried out between 2020 and 2022, the Hôtel Cantonal is opening its doors to the public, allowing visitors to discover this emblematic site of the medieval city.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Neuveville district, this early 16th-century building - whose imposing silhouette, clock tower and monumental staircase are well known to the people of Fribourg - conceals historical and architectural treasures long inaccessible to the public.
Renovation and conversion work on the Hôtel Cantonal, from 2020 to 2022, has not only revealed the original volumes and structures of the various spaces, it has also helped to uncover hidden treasures, such as a 1531 fresco in the Petit Conseil room.
Initially designed as a grain store, the building housed all the political, judicial and military authorities before finding its current function as the center of legislative power. The Grand Council Chamber, preserved in its 18th-century appearance, remains one of the oldest parliamentary chambers in the country.
All images from Aloys Lauper and Fabien Python (eds.), L'Hôtel cantonal de Fribourg (1522-2022), Fribourg, Service des biens culturels, 2022.
Free tours
Duration: 60 min.
Number of visitors: min. 2, max. 25
Languages: French or German, no English tours
Wheelchair accessible
Reservations by e-mail: gc@fr.ch
Hôtel Cantonal de Fribourg
Secrétariat du Grand Conseil SGC
Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville 2
1700 Fribourg
+41 26 305 49 46
