Town of Bamberg
Bamberg, Germany
18.06.2018
The "Altstadt von Bamberg", or the Old Town of Bamberg, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Bamberg, Germany. This historic city center is known for its well-preserved medieval and baroque architecture, making it a popular destination for tourists and history lovers alike.
Bamberg was first mentioned in historical records in the year 902, and it became an important political and religious center in the 11th century. The city was ruled by the Prince-Bishops of Bamberg for centuries, and their influence can still be seen in the many churches and palaces that adorn the Old Town.
One of the most iconic landmarks in the Altstadt is the Bamberg Cathedral, also known as the Dom St. Peter und St. Georg. This impressive cathedral was built in the 13th century and is known for its unique combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained glass windows and the famous Bamberg Horseman, a statue of a knight on horseback that is said to represent the city's founder, Emperor Henry II.
Another must-visit site in the Altstadt is the Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall. This building is situated on an island in the middle of the Regnitz river and is known for its stunning half-timbered facade. Legend has it that the bishop refused to give the townspeople any land for the construction of a town hall, so they built it on the river instead as a symbol of their defiance.
The Altstadt also boasts a number of charming narrow streets and squares, such as the Maximiliansplatz and the Grüner Markt. These areas are perfect for strolling and taking in the unique atmosphere of this historic city.
Today, the Altstadt of Bamberg is not only a popular tourist destination, but it also serves as a lively cultural hub. The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous Sandkerwa festival, a celebration of local beer and food.
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From the 10th century onwards, this town became an important link with the Slav peoples, especially those of Poland and Pomerania. During its period of greatest prosperity, from the 12th century onwards, the architecture of Bamberg strongly influenced northern Germany and Hungary. In the late 18th century it was the centre of the Enlightenment in southern Germany, with eminent philosophers and writers such as Hegel and Hoffmann living there.
Bamberg (, US also , German: [ˈbambɛʁk] ; East Franconian: Bambärch) is a town in Upper Franconia district in Bavaria, Germany, on the river Regnitz close to its confluence with the river Main. Bamberg had 79,000 inhabitants in 2022. The town dates back to the 9th century, when its name was derived from the nearby Babenberch castle. Cited as one of Germany's most beautiful towns, with medieval streets and buildings, the old town of Bamberg with around 2,400 timber houses has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
From the 10th century onwards, Bamberg became a key link with the Slav peoples, notably those of Poland and Pomerania. It experienced a period of great prosperity from the 12th century onwards, during which time it was briefly the centre of the Holy Roman Empire. Emperor Henry II was buried in the old town, alongside his wife Kunigunde. The town's architecture from this period strongly influenced that in Northern Germany and Hungary. From the middle of the 13th century onwards, the bishops were princes of the Empire and ruled Bamberg, overseeing the construction of monumental buildings. This growth was complemented by the obtaining of large portions of the estates of the Counts of Meran in 1248 and 1260 by the sea, partly through purchase and partly through the appropriation of extinguished fiefs.
Bamberg lost its independence in 1802, following the secularization of church lands, becoming part of Bavaria in 1803. The town was first connected to the German rail system in 1844, which has been an important part of its infrastructure ever since. After a communist uprising took control over Bavaria in the years following World War I, the state government fled to Bamberg and stayed there for almost two years before the Bavarian capital of Munich was retaken by Freikorps units (see Bavarian Soviet Republic). The first republican constitution of Bavaria was passed in Bamberg, becoming known as the Bamberger Verfassung (Bamberg Constitution).
Following the Second World War, Bamberg was an important base for the Bavarian, German, and then American military stationed at Warner Barracks, until closing in 2014.
