A centre of imperial and episcopal power for almost a
thousand years, and often referred to as the Rome of Franconia, Bamberg
stands on seven hills surrounded by beautiful countryside. Dominated by
its imperial cathedral, the town is a unique and superbly maintained
masterpiece of urban design, uniting medieval and baroque architecture.
Bamberg's well-preserved old town comprises three
historical districts – the episcopal town, the island town and the
market gardener's town. All three are part of the UNESCO World Heritage
site and provide a fascinating example of how central European towns
were built up around the basic layouts established in the early Middle
Ages. Bamberg was given special status as far back as 1007, when
Heinrich II was building the town into a centre of episcopal and
sovereign power, making it the centre of the newly founded diocese and
turning it into a second Rome. Five churches in the form of a Latin
cross mark the layout of the town. The historical townscape features
numerous monuments from the 11th to the 18th century and some 1,200
architectural monuments. With its four towers, the imperial cathedral of
St. Peter and St. George is the most prominent building. Inside are the
Bamberg Rider, a priceless masterpiece of consummate simplicity; the
tomb of Pope Clemence II, the only papal grave in Germany; and the tomb
of the Emperor Heinrich II and his wife Cunigunde. Domplatz (Cathedral
Square) is bordered by the impressive baroque New Palace and the Alte
Hofhaltung Palace. Other highlights include the Brückenrathaus, the rose
garden with a view of the old town, the tanners' cottages by the old
canal, the mill district and the fisherman's village known as Little
Venice. And then, what with this being Bavaria,
there is Bamberg's beer. This is where you'll find the famous smoked
beer, which, along with other distinctive brews, is best sampled on one
of the special Beer Tasting Tours, which will take you to various bars
and breweries in the town.
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