Münsterplatz
In addition to the institutions already mentioned, Münsterplatz offers plenty of space for encounters. The entrances to some municipal offices, such as the adult education center, the city library, the city hall or the citizen service center, are accessible via the square. A restaurant serves its visitors on the outside terrace and a bakery and a euro-shop offer possibilities for shopping.
Münster Unserer Lieben Frau
Open during the day, free admission
The cathedral 'Unsere Lieben Frau' in the historic center of Villingen was built in the 12th and 13th century in Romanesque style, then rebuilt several times and completed in Gothic style in 1284. Worth seeing are the bronze portals of the cathedral, created in 1983 by Klaus Ringwald, as well as the legendary "Nägelinskreuz" in the interior, the protective cross of the Villingen population from the 14th century. One of the largest carillons in southern Germany is located in the Villingen Cathedral. The carillon with 51 bells reminds of the tradition of the important bell-founding dynasty Grüninger. 200 years after the loss of the carillon in the Benedictine church it could be realized thanks to numerous donations from citizens and institutions. The so-called Franciscan bell was integrated, the only one to survive the two world wars unscathed. Daily chimes at 10.05, 12.05, 15.05 and 18.05. More detailed information about the "Nägelinskreuz", the portals, the church windows and the church bells can be found in the downloads below:
Around the year 1300, Andreas Nägelin, a farmer from the Spaichingen valley, went to Villingen to visit the market. On the way, in the area of the Schonwiesen, he saw a crucifix lying on the road and was very surprised about the strange find. He picked it up and hid it in a nearby bush for the time being. On the way back he took the crucifix home with him and worshipped it daily for two years. After this time he became very sick and sank into unconsciousness, so that nobody expected his recovery. Suddenly, however, the patient regained consciousness and said the following words aloud: "Let this cross be carried to Villingen by a reliable man with the message that a small church should be built in honor of this cross. Villingen will then be spared from great evils and threats". Nägelin's wish was fulfilled, but the messenger found no ear in the city and returned with the crucifix without haveing achieved anything. A second messenger had no luck either. In the night after its return Nägelin heard clearly the words: "Get up, Andreas Nägelin, take this cross and carry it even to Villingen for the confirmation of the grace promise!" There Nägelin felt liberated from all illness and weakness with one blow. In the morning he set out with the cross on his way to Villingen. And now people believed him. The citizens built a chapel in front of the Bickentor, where the cross was kept. A pilgrimage to this chapel was made. From then on, the 'Nägelinskreuz' performed many miracles and protected the city, especially during the heavy siege in 1633.
Münsterbrunnen
The Schonach artist Klaus Ringwald designed and built the Münsterbrunnen on the Villingen Münsterplatz in 1989. The bronze work of art tells the 1000 years old history of the city in text and pictures, sometimes in a humorous way. Each of the eight pages of the artwork is dedicated to an epoch significant for the city.
The fountain contributes to the fact that our beautiful city streams get enough water and both children and adults get a little refreshment in summer.
The exact details of the epochs can be found in our flyer 'Münsterbrunnen'.
Weekly market
The weekly markets take place every Wednesday and Saturday from 6.30 to 12.45 h both in Villingen on the Münsterplatz and in Schwenningen on the Muslenplatz. During the winter time the Wednesday market starts at 7.30 am.
The markets offer customers a wide range of products. From fruit, vegetables, sausages and meat products to flowers and seedlings and fresh eggs from the farm - the local traders supply the people in VS with fresh home-grown products.
Insider tip
8 clubs, 1 festival, this is '9amMünster'
the DJK Villingen, the Glonki guild Villingen, the witch guild Villingen, the historical citizen's guard and national costume group, the historical Narrozunft Villingen, the Katzenmusik Villingen as well as the Stadtharmonie Villingen organize every three to four years a city celebration with spectacular framework program and create 'qualitime' for the whole family.
Old town hall
The Old Town Hall dates from the early 13th century, was generously extended as a town hall in the 16th century and received its present appearance at that time. The Villingen Citizens' Service Center is located on the first floor. Sporadic events and guided tours bring the time-honored rooms to life. Engaged couples can book the historical council hall for civil weddings.
Weddings
You have found your perfect partner for life and are still looking for a suitable ambience for your civil wedding? Then come to us.
We are Baden and Württemberg in one, both historically and industrially shaped. We are a city that fulfils many wishes.
Let us carry you away and inspire you.
You can find all necessary information here