Origin of the Name 'Barfüsserplatz'

Barfüsserplatz Basel

The origin of the name Barfüsserplatz (Square of the Discalced) dates from the Order of St. Francis that appeared in Basel in 1231. The Franciscans were allowed to establish themselves within the city walls after previously being based at Petersgraben. Consequently, in the mid-13th-century, the Franciscans' monastery church was built on a public area where, at that time, the river Birsig flowed through a gate of the city wall. 

The order had been founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209 and it was actually called 'Order of Friars Minor' (Orden der Minderen Brüder), also called 'Minorites'.

Since the Order is dedicated to the apostolic life of poverty and traditionally demands the monks to walk barefoot (or in sandals), the term Barfüsser (discalced/barefoot) emerged in the German-speaking world.

In 1861, the square received its official name Barfüsserplatz due to the Franciscans and their monastery church. This former monastery church today houses the Museum für Geschichte (History Museum) of the Historisches Museum Basel (see picture below).

Today's Historisches Museum Basel

Every year around Christmas time, the traditional Basel Christmas Market on Barfüsserplatz attracts many visitors (see picture below). For more information on this market, take a look at this post. 

Basel Christmas Market

Have a lovely Advent season and thanks for stopping by!





source: http://www.altbasel.ch/fragen/barfuesserplatz.html
source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barf%C3%BCsserplatz
source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/franciscan
source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barf%C3%BCsserkirche_(Basel)
photo credit: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/382876405792982975/
photo credit: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/500392208572504478/
photo credit: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/89198673