Fribourg

Fribourg is a city in western Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Fribourg. It lies on the Saane/Sarine river, where the steeply rising old town sits on a promontory above a broad bend of the river, and is located near the Swiss plateau between the Prealps and the plain. The canton and city form a bilingual region, with French as the predominant language in Fribourg and a significant German-speaking minority; the canton is officially bilingual.

History and heritage: The town was founded in the 12th century by the Zähringen dynasty as a fortified city. It grew as a medieval trading center and later became the cantonal capital. Fribourg joined the Swiss Confederation in 1481. The historic center is known for its medieval arcades, fortified walls, and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, a landmark with a prominent spire. The area along the river is known as La Petite Venise for its picturesque houses.

Institutions and culture: Fribourg hosts the University of Fribourg, established in 1889, a bilingual university offering programs in French and German, as well as other higher education institutions and cultural venues.

Economy and transport: The city functions as an administrative, educational, and service hub for the canton. It is served by rail and road networks linking it with major Swiss cities, and it hosts museums, theaters, and festivals.

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