Bamberg

The Town of Bamberg is listed as a World Heritage Site primarily because of its authentic medieval appearance. From the 10th century onwards, its town layout and architecture has been a great influence in Central Europe.

Some of the main monuments are:
- Cathedral (1237), with the tombs of emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II
- Alte Hofhaltung, residence of the bishops in the 16th and 17th centuries
- Neue Residenz, residence of the bishops after the 17th century
- Old Town Hall (1386), built in the middle of the Regnitz River, accessible by two bridges
- Klein-Venedig ("Little Venice"), a colony of picturesque fishermen's houses from the 19th century along one side of the river Regnitz.
- Michaelsberg Abbey, built in the 12th century on one of Bamberg's "Seven Hills"
- Altenburg, castle, former residence of the bishops

Year Decision Comments
1993 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Ian Cade (England):
Central Europe has thrown up some of my favourite towns and Bamberg certainly ranks among them. We spent an unexpected and very cold day here in January 2007, and it was a great experience.
The centre of the town, situated between two rivers, is very nice with lots of cobbled streets and squares. However it is once you get to the river and see the fantastic and unique Altes Rathaus (picture) built between two bridges over the river, that the town becomes really charming. The murals on the side of the building are great, reminding me of many of the buildings in Cesky Krumlov.
This side of the river is actually fairly steep with lots of twisty lanes hiding café’s and antiques shops. It all leads up to Domplatz, which as the name suggests houses the Cathedral and its surroundings. The Cathedral itself is a bit Gothic/ Romanesque hodgepodge but worth a peek. The other sides of the square are taken up by; the impressive Neus Rezidence with an apparently great rose garden and the Old Courthouse, which is worth having a peek into to see the lovely courtyard surrounded by large half-timbered buildings.
It was cold and getting dark so unfortunately we didn't manage to make it up to Michaelsberg, to see the monastery, perhaps a reason to return!
Bamberg is a town famous for its beers, and there are plenty of places to try the local brews. We enjoyed trying all the varieties at Ambräusianum at Dominikanstr. 10 but there are plenty great looking pubs. If you only get chance for one beer then try the brew that Bamberg is most famous for Rauchbier (Smoked Beer) it is a very distinctive flavour, a little like drinking a bonfire/ bacon, much more enjoyable than it sounds!
I really enjoyed Bamberg and would thoroughly recommend a visit, the trademark Altes Rathaus and Rauchbier really shouldn’t disappoint in one of Central Europe’s nicest towns.
 
Jim Humberd (USA):
One of our favorite towns is Bamberg, a beautiful cathedral city that has escaped extensive war damage. On top of the hill four sharp spires rise from the Transitional Gothic cathedral. A wood sculpture in the cathedral, the monument for the tomb of Emperor Henry II, took the famous sculptor, Tilman Riemenschneider, 14 years to carve.

Das Bamberger Brücken-Rathaus, or Bamberg’s City Hall sits on a bridge over the River Regnitz. This incredible building, sits on a small island, anchored in the middle of the river, with a little timbered building, Häuslein, that seems to have been just tacked onto the bridge’s pierhead.

The two nights in two different years that we spent at the campsite in the suburban town named Bug, it rained and rained. What is remembered depends a lot on sunshine or rain. In either case what we see is exciting, but when we have another chance to see Bamberg, we will pray for sunshine.

From our book, Invitation To Germany (see Google)
 


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