The "Basse-Ville" is the name given to the historic old town of Fribourg, with its many churches, convents, bridges and fountains. It is also the birth place of "Bolze", a popular culture and language.
The Sarine river, dotted with bridges made of wood and stone, winds its way through the valley of the Basse Ville and its three districts of Bourg, Auge and la Neuveville.
The "Funi"
Built in 1899, the funicular railway links la Neuveville with the modern city centre. It is the only means of transport in Europe which is powered by the city's wastewater. Before each journey, 3,000 litres are pumped into the "funi" system.
Le Bolze
The Basse-Ville is the birthplace of "Bolze". Over the centuries, an entirely separate culture developed in the Basse-Ville of Fribourg centred round this language which was a mixture of German and French. The Bolze culture is embodied by the Fribourg carnival also known locally as "le carnaval des Bolzes". Famous Bolze personalities include the late racing driver Jo Siffert, and the artist Hubert Audriaz.
Fribourg Tourisme et Région
Place Jean-Tinguely 1
Case postale 448
1700 Fribourg
+41 26 350 11 11
