City Guide: Bamberg

The Rome of Franconia. The German city Bamberg was named so in the year 1007, when Kaiser Heinrich II, King of the Romans, established the seat of diocese here, and the “golden” age of the city began. Bamberg became an Imperial city and the residency of the prince-bishops. Miraculously, as opposed to the other German cities, Bamberg was spared from the destruction during Thirty Years War and World War II. As a result you can see with your own eyes the monumental reminders of the city’s Episcopal past. The most prominent landmark of the city is the Imperial Cathedral, founded in 1004 by the Emperor Heinrich II. Visit imposing late Romanesque building with four spires, which contains magnificent tombs of the Emperor and his wife and another treasure, the Bamberg Horseman statue from the 1200.

Perfectly-preserved Bamberg’s medieval old town with the outstanding architecture is on the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Make your journey to the former Episcopal town unforgettable with the help of Booked.net. Find the cheapest hotel in Bamberg or the most luxurious one at the lowest possible price.

No matter how much time you spend in Bamberg, you will ask for more. Start with romantic “Little Venice”, the colorful fishermen’s houses snuggling together along the river Regnitz. Most of these neat half-timbered houses originate from the middle ages. Visit the prominent Old Rathaus constructed in the middle of the bridge above the river Regnitz in the 14th century. Don’t miss the outstanding Dom and the former bishops residencies, the Renaissance-style Alte Hofhaltung built in 1570 and the Neue Residenz with the Baroque “Emperor’s Hall” situated right next to the cathedral. From the charming Rosengarten of the New Palace you will get the absolutely fantastic view of Bamberg. The city boasts with many magnificent churches, outstanding museums, pretty narrow streets and fabulous houses.

Attractions include:

- Imposing Dom or Cathedral, constructed in late Romanesque style, was founded in 1004. Among the main attractions are: the equestrian statue of Bamberg Horseman, the tombs of Henry II and his wife as well as the tomb of the Pope Clemens II and the Christmas altar from 1520.

- Alte Hofhaltung was the residence of the bishops in the 16th and 17th centuries, built on the site of an 11th century fortress. Its inner courtyard with picturesque half-timbered houses serves as a place for the summer Calderon Festival.

- Neue Residenz was occupied by the prince-bishops after the 17th century. Its beautiful Rosengarten offers a stunning view over the city.

- The Altes Rathaus was built on an artificial island above the river Regnitz in the 14th century.

- St. Stephanskirche is the main Protestant church of Bamberg built in Romanesque style in 1020 by Pope Benedikt VIII.

- The Michaelskirche was founded in 12th century. Refined Romanesque building was the church of the Benedictine Michaelsberg Abbey and now contains the museum.

Historical city Bamberg is also famous for the delicious beer. There are nine breweries in Bamberg and about eighty in the vicinity. No other German city has the same beer reputation; the production of beer has been taking place ever since Bamberg was founded. Try the famous drink of Bamberg in the numerous beer gardens on the cellars, go on the “BierSchmecker-Stadt Bamberg” tour and find out everything about the beer production in the Franconian Brewery Museum.

According to a German survey, the people of Bamberg are the most content to live in their city. Visit the dream city of Germans and stay with comfort in the best hotels at the lowest possible price. Find the best offers at Booked.net and save money.