Bamberg Historic City Centre

Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg is located in Upper Franconia on the river Regnitz close to its confluence with the river Main. Its historic city center is a listed UNESCO world heritage site.

Bamberg is a good example of a central European town with a basically early medieval plan and many surviving ecclesiastical and secular buildings of the medieval period. When Henry II, Duke of Bavaria, became King of Germany in 1007 he made Bamberg the seat of a bishopric, intended to become a 'second Rome'. Of particular interest is the way in which the present town illustrates the link between agriculture (market gardens and vineyards) and the urban distribution centre.

From the 10th century onwards, Bamberg 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 this town strongly influenced northern Germany and Hungary. In the late 18th century Bamberg was the centre of the Enlightenment in southern Germany, with eminent philosophers and writers such as Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and E.T.A. Hoffmann living there.

Bamberg extends over seven hills, each crowned by a beautiful church. This has led to Bamberg being called the 'Franconian Rome'.

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Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Historic city squares, old towns and villages in Germany
Historical period: Ottonian Dynasty (Germany)

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Flavio Pimentel (10 months ago)
The Altes Rathaus is definitely the most emblematic historical building in Bamberg. Imposingly placed in the bridge over the Linker Regnitzarm canal, the whole structure is very photogenic and can be seen from various parts of the old city.
Anne H (12 months ago)
The unique architecture of Bamberg’s Altes Rathaus puts the city on the map for visitors. We really enjoyed our visit to Bamberg, as it is walkable, but not as small as you’d think at first, and has a great youthful vibe with all the university students around.
Rafa Fioriti (12 months ago)
Very interesting architecture. It has paintings on the wall. Inside there are in exposition just some antiques porcelain dishes so it doesnt worth the visit inside in my opinion. Its an obligated stop in the schedule if you are visiting Bamberg
Kerstin Blum (2 years ago)
Visiting Bamberg is always like a mini holiday - idyllic streets, shady paths along the river/canal, historic buildings, views...
Abhishek Singh (2 years ago)
Amazing place to be. Great to visit on foot and enjoy the place around.
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