Cathedral (Dom) St. Peter and St. George and other Bamberg, Germany Things to Do Tips

The cathedral is - beside those of Speyer, Mainz and Worms - one of the most important medieval buildings in Germany. Main parts were built 1215 - 37, the spires of the towers were added in the late 18th century.

The oldest parts show late Romanesque style - modelled after those famous cathedrals in the Rhine area - , the latest are obviously early Gothic, strongly influenced by the cathedral of Laon (France).

Some highlights:

- Fürstentor (North Portal), the most magnificently decorated portal (late Romanesque)
- The tomb of Emperor Heinrich II and his wife Kunigunde (1513), a fantastic work of Tilman Riemenschneider
- Bamberger Reiter (Horseman of Bamberg) - 1235 by an unknown sculptor, one of *THE* sites of German medieval art
- The embossments to both sides of the Eastern choir (1220 - 30)
- The tomb of Pope Clemens II (1047, former bishop of Bamberg), the only grave of a pope in Germany
- The altar of St. Mary by Veit Stoss (1523), unfinished due to the beginning reformation
... and many more ...

Don't miss to see the cloisters, a peaceful place.

Opening hours of the cathedral: daily from 9.30 to 18.00 (summer) or 16.00 (winter)

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Address: Domplatz

Alte Residenz, the place where the Bishop and his administration lived and worked first, was built in 15th and 16th century. Most picturesque are the half-timbered houses with gables etc. around the courtyard, built 1475 - 90. The most impressive part of Alte Residenz, however, is the Renaissance building from 1570 - 76, called Ratsstube.

Nowadays Alte Residenz is home of the Historical Museum of Bamberg. It shows pieces from mostly medieval and Baroque times, but also craft work, astronomical instruments and an armour collection.

Opening hours:
May - Oct daily 9 - 17
Dec - Apr Tue - Sun 9 - 17

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Phone: 87 11 42
Address: Domplatz 7
Directions: Right next to the cathedral.

The New Residence of the Bishop is situated vis-a-vis the Old Residence and the cathedral and builds together with those a very picturesque ensemble.

It was built in 17th century. Especially the Rosengarten - really a wonderful garden as the name says - is worth a visit. Even more in summer with the blooming roses and a nice cafe, but also year round for the stunning views of the old town and the convent St. Michael.

Nowadays the New Residence houses a historical museum (guided tours) and a picture gallery, both absolutely impressive.

Opening hours:
daily 9 - 12 and 13.30 - 17 (Apr - Sept) or till 16 (Oct - Mar)

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Phone: 5 63 51
Address: Domplatz 8

On top of Michael hill (290 m) a Benedictine convent was founded 1015, secularised in 1803. Its church is another landmark of Bamberg.

It was reconstructed 1117 - 21 after an earthquake, the choir was remodelled in 1475 and the front was redesigned in Baroque style 1697 - 1703.

Inside it is an outstanding example for a well-done combination of Romanesque architecture and Baroque style interior. Have a look at the ceiling with paintings of about 600 herbs (called heaven's garden).

More works of art are worth to see, like the pulpit, several tombs etc.

Don't miss a visit of the brewery museum in the former convent's buildings.

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Address: Michaelsberg
Directions: North of the cathedral.

Obere Pfarrkirche - full name is catholic vicarious church of our lady - is the most important Gothic building in Bamberg.

The nave was built 1338 - 50, the choir and towere were added end of 14th century. The choir's architecture is strongly influenced by the Bohemian style (Peter Parler's St. Vitus cathedral!). The northern portal is decorated with sculptures of the wise and the foolish maids.

The interior is Baroque, dating from the 18th century. Although I am not a fan of Baroque interior in Romanesque architecture I must admit it is well done with great harmony (as far as possible). Altar and tabernacle are stunning.

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Directions: Unterer Kaulberg, south of the cathedral

St. Stephan is an evangelic church, built 1628 - 80 in Baroque style. Interior is only partly preserved. The organ is the most impressive piece.

The oldest part is the tower, Romanesque style in the lower floors, Gothic in the upper floors (1235).

The church is located in very romantic setting. Take the time and have a break.

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Address: Stephansplatz
Directions: near Böttingerhaus

The Böttingerhaus is a Patrician house, built in Baroque style. It is an excellent example for the luxurious decoration style of the era of Bishop Schönborn.

The house was built for Tobias Böttinger, advisor of the Bishop, 1706 - 13. A following owner had financial problems and sold the famous courtyard facade. It is now to see in Munich, Luitpoldpark ("Bamberger Haus").

The stucco ceilings inside are worth a visit (upon request).

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Address: Judenstrasse
Directions: below Obere Pfarrkirche

The convent of St. Maria and Theodor was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian nuns, 1589 taken over by Carmelitans.

It was reconstructed 1692 - 1707 by Dientzenhofer in Baroque style. However, next to the Gothic tower on the west front you find the old main portal in Romanesque style. Don't miss it, its zig-zag decoration reminds of Normannic style.

The the left of the main (East) facade you will see the entrance to the cloisters. Don't hesitate and enter, it is very peaceful and charming (Romanesque style).

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Address: Karmeliterplatz
Directions: West of the Obere Pfarrkirche.

The old town hall was built on a small island in the Pegnitz river. The oldest part is the tower, built in the 14th century. After an explosion in 1440 the town hall was rebuilt 1450 - 63. In 1668 the picturesque timber-frame style "Rottmeisterhaus" was added.

In the 18th century the town hall was undergoing a Baroque style renovation. In this time the beautiful frescos outside have their origin.

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Directions: On an island in the Pegnitz river, right in the city centre.

St. Martin was built 1686 - 93. Its facade dominates the nice square "Grüner Markt".

The church's tower (height 55 m) offers great views. Don't miss to go up!

The late Baroque style interior with lots of stucco works and frescos is overwhelming. Way too much for my taste :-) However, the Trompe-l'oeil paintings are really impressive, and the high altar is a fantastic work of art by an Italian sculptor.

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Address: Grüner Markt