Bamberg: A Medieval Gem in the Heart of Bavaria

 

If there’s one historical site that sets Bamberg apart from other cities in Germany, it’s the Rathaus, or Town Hall. With its colorful murals, timber-framed facades, and unique location right in the middle of the Regnitz River, it’s easy to see why it’s considered the most beautiful building in Bamberg. With cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, and ancient breweries tucked into centuries-old buildings, Bamberg is like stepping into a storybook. 

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bamburg is a stunning example of a well-preserved medieval city known for its intact timber-framed houses, and unique architecture such as the Altes Rathaus on an island on the picturesque setting on the River Regnitz, and the "Little Venice" district. Founded by Emperor Henry II in 1007 as a bishopric, it became a significant religious and cultural hub, influencing Central Europe with its blend of Romanesque and Baroque styles, and remains famous for its churches, breweries, and picturesque setting on the River Regnitz. 

The city’s origins date back to the 9th century, with its name derived from the nearby Babenberch castle. Bamberg rose to prominence in 1007 when Emperor Henry II established it as a bishopric, aiming to strengthen Christianity in the region east of Bamberg. Under his patronage, the iconic Bamberg Cathedral was built, which remains a centerpiece of the city’s skyline and spiritual life. The cathedral, completed in the 13th century after two earlier versions were destroyed by fire, houses significant artworks like the mysterious Bamberg Horseman statue and the tomb of Emperor Henry II and his wife Kunigunde, both canonized saints.

The beautiful Christmas window of Käthe Wohfahrt in Bamberg

As with many German shops, beautiful hand crafted signs hang ornate by wrought iron brackets

One of Bamberg's many popular brewpubs

One of Bamberg's charming cobblestone residential streets

The picturesque courtyard of the Bamberg Historic Museum

View from the courtyard to the Neuen Residenz, the former prince-bishop's residence in Bamberg

Originally created by Balthasar Neumann in the first half of the 18th-century,

The Rose Garden at the Neuen Residenz had a few roses still in November

The rose was actually this vibrant deep pink, which was astounding in mid November

St. Jakob's Church, built in the 11th-12th centuries, is known for its unique blend of Romanesque structure and Baroque facade, serving pilgrims on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela

13th-century coat of arms above the main portal of the church is notable as one of the earliest examples of the Bamberg "Stadtritter" (city knight) blazon, showcasing the city's heraldry

A maple leaf on the cobblestone walkway outside the church was

a serendipitous discovery as Canadians touring Bamberg

Saint Henry II, the Holy Roman Emperor, who founded the Bamberg Cathedral and city

Bamberg Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. George,

 is the most prominent and largest church in the city

The clock almost striking 1pm, which is when the Cathedral opens after the Sunday service

The cathedral was founded in 1002 by King (later Emperor) Heinrich II and his wife Kunigunde, 

who are both buried there, are the only canonized imperial couple in the Holy Roman Empire

The famous and equally mysterious early Gothic equestrian statue known as the Bamberg Horseman

The cathedral is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Town of Bamberg," 

recognized for its historical and architectural importance 

Completed in the 13th century, the two massive towers give the cathedral the largest facade 

of any church in the world

Walking down the hill from the Church on our way to Shenkerla Smoked Beer Brewery

 In the middle of the old part of Bamberg directly beneath the mighty cathedral, 

is the historic smoked beer brewery Schlenkerla, a Bamberg classic, serving beer from 1536

The small smoked beer menu at Schlenkerla

The original smoked beer - Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier - was hauntingly delicious

Bamberg is famous for its charming boats on the River Regnitz, especially in the "Little Venice" 

(Klein Venedig) area, where colourful old fishermen's houses line the water

Bamberg's Little Venice

Cobblestone walking paths traverse Little Venice

Bamburg's Love Lock Bridge

Bamberg's famous Bridge Tower and adjacent Altes Rathaus is a unique medieval building built on an island in the Regnitz River, connected by bridges, with Baroque/Rococo elements, make it an iconic symbol of Bamberg's well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage old town

Whimsical, vibrant frescoes on the Rococo facade of the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)

by Johann Anwander (1755), featuring allegorical figures and seasons

Built on a man-made island because the bishop wouldn't give the Bamburg citizens land, 

creates a dramatic, unique setting for the iconic Altes Rathaus

The fast flowing Regnitz flows through Bamberg with its well-preserved half-timbered houses

One of Bamberg's many charming hand painted signs mounted using wrought iron

Great hanging sign for a popular local bakery with a wolf carrying a pretzel

I saw this unique 'Press for Champagne' in a local shop in Bamburg,

but the shop was closed or I would have bought it!