Top 10 Astonishing Facts about UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Bamberg

Panoramic of Bamberg photo by Ermell – Wikimedia commons

Top 10 Astonishing Facts about UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Bamberg

The historic town of Bamberg is sometimes called “The Rome of Germany!” while its position of power means there are some incredible buildings, it’s the cobblestoned streets and beautiful houses along the river that give Bamberg its real charm. The old town of Bamberg is wonderfully manageable.

Bamberg is located in southern Germany in the North of Bavaria. It is a perfect example of a central European town with an early medieval plan and many surviving ecclesiastical and secular buildings of the medieval period.

From the 10th century onwards, Bamberg became an important link with the Slav people, especially those of Poland and Pomerania. During its period of greatest prosperity, from influenced northern Germany and Hungary, in the late 18th century Bamberg was the centre of the enlightening in Southern Germany.

Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a quintessential German medieval town in Upper Franconia, Bavaria. The town sprawls over seven hills and perches pretty on the shores of River Regnitiz. It consistently charms flocks of Tourists with its beautiful architecture, abundant culture, beauty spots and lively beer gardens.

Bamberg is an outstanding and representative example of an early medieval town in central Europe, both in its plan and its surviving ecclesiastical and secular buildings. Bamberg is the largest city in Upper Franconia in the state of Bavaria.

The city is located on the River Regnitz and was built on Seven Hills. Bamberg was first mentioned in 902, the diocese was founded by King Henry. Here are the top 10 astonishing facts about the UNESCO world heritage old town of Bamberg.

1. Bamberg was derived from the Babenberch Castle

It was during the Post-Roman centuries of Germanic migrations and settlements that the region was inhabited for the most part by Slavs. The town dates back to the 9th century, where its name was derived from the nearby Babenberch castle. On the extinction of the Babenberg family, the property was passed to the Saxon house.

2. Bamberg is home to the historic town hall

Bamberg town hall from opposite bridge photo by Tamcgath – Wikimedia commons

Arguably one of the most important sights is the historic town hall. It is documented that the town hall was first mentioned in 1387 and rebuilt between 1461 and 1467 under the Gothic influence. The Town hall was redesigned by a Baroque and Rococo architect in the 18th century.

Some of the building decorations include; illusion paintings, allegorical scenes and architectural details, as well as Frescoes.

3. Bamberg extends over seven hills

Bamberg extends over seven hills, each one crowned by a church. This has led to Bamberg being called the “Franconian Rome” although a running joke among Bamberg’s tour guides is to refer to Rome instead as the “Italian Bamberg.”

The hills are Michaelsberg, Cathedral Hill, Kaulberg, Stefansberg, Jakobsberg, Abtsberg, Altenburg Hill.

4. Bamberg was named UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993

Rome, Vatican, Italy. St. Peter’s Square. photo by Vyacheslav Argenberg – Wikimedia commons

Like Rome, Bamberg is built on seven hills, like Venice, it is an island city with a lively heart. More than 2400 listed buildings, winding lanes and an abundance of medieval churches make Bamberg a work of art of immense historical value.

Because of the well-preserved architectural ensemble in the old town, Bamberg was named UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

The beautiful mix of grand architectural styles and baroque townhouses give the town a captivating atmosphere. The German town was recognized by UNESCO as it provided an important link for the Slav people to those of Poland and Pomerania during the 10 century.

In addition, the architectural style of Bamberg influences that of Northern Germany and Hungary.

5. Bamberg was created for market, residence and business purposes

It’s an island in the middle of the river and was founded in the 12th century as a market, residence and business location. In some ways, it was the link between the nobility and the ordinary people, where commerce could take place with the easy sight of the rulers

6. The town is a former important military base

Photo by Joel Rivera-Camacho on Unsplash

Bamberg is a former important military base for the German, Bavarian and American military stationed at the Warner Barracks. Warner barracks was closed in the fall of 2014, with the final battalion leaving being the 54th Engineer Battalion, and the grounds returned to the German government.

A large part of the facility was taken over by the German Federal Police for training purposes in 2016.

7. Its Estates were ruled by Prince-Bishops

The prince- Bishopric of Bamberg was an ecclesiastical state of the Holy Roman Empire. It dates back to the roman catholic diocese of Bamberg established at the 1007 synod in Frankfurt, at the behest of King Henry II to further expand the spread of Christianity in the Franconian lands.

The Bishops obtained the status of imperial immediately about 1245 and ruled their estates as Price-Bishops until they were subsumed for the Electorate Bavaria in the course of the German mediatisation in 1802.

8. Bamberg’s Altenburg Castle was a former Bishop’s residence

Altenburg (castle in Bamberg, Germany) photo by Immanuel Giel – Wikimedia commons

Standing high atop Bamberg’s tallest hill, Altenburg castle (Schloss Altenburg) is one of the town’s most popular attractions. Dating back to the early 12th century when it was used as a refuge for the townspeople, it later served as the palatial home of Bamberg’s bishops.

Demolished in 1553, all that remains of the original medieval structure are posts of the surrounding wall and the 33- meter keep. An important relic from this time is the old iron basket hanging from the tower used to signal neighbouring castles up to 20 kilometres away.

The castle was rebuilt in the Romantic style and highlights of a visit include its sumptuously furnished rooms and the spectacular views of the old town and the surrounding area.

9. It served as the venue for the Bamberg conference

Adolf Hitler photo by Bundesarchiv, Bild – Wikimedia commons

In February 1926 Bamberg served as the venue for the Bamberg Conference, convened by Adolf Hitler in his attempt to foster unity and stifle dissent within the young Nazi party. Bamberg was selected for its location in Upper Franconia, reasonably close to the dissident northern Nazi faction but still within Bavaria.

10. The town hosts a five-day beer festival

Bamberg is known for its special beer and many local breweries and beer gardens. It is one of the biggest beer brewing cities in Germany with more than 9 full-time breweries. The local speciality is smoked beer made from smoked malt. Concerning this, every August there is a five-day SandKerwa, a Kirmess celebrated with beers.

In October and early November, many of the 70 breweries in and around Bamberg celebrate Bockbieranstiche with a special release of Bock beer.