As you walk up to Cathedral Square, you’ll immediately see three imposing buildings from different eras: the Old Court, the New Residence, and, of course, Bamberg Cathedral.
The cathedral’s full name is the High Cathedral of St. Peter and St. George in Bamberg. We simply call it Bamberg Cathedral. You won’t be alone when you visit—Bamberg Cathedral attracts about 1.5 million visitors every year.
Bamberg Cathedral is one of seven imperial cathedrals in Germany. They are called this for three reasons: an emperor built them, they display imperial splendor, or an emperor was crowned there.
Point of interest: Bamberg Cathedral – Imperial Cathedral with the Pope’s tomb
Four towers and impressive portals
Standing in front of Bamberg Cathedral, one immediately senses its grandeur. The Romanesque building has four towers, 74 and 76 meters high, respectively. The cathedral has several entrances, all of which feature Romanesque round-arched portals and rich ornamentation.
You cannot enter the cathedral through all the gates. The Princes’ Gate, the Gate of Grace, and St. Vitus’ Gate are only opened on special occasions, during processions, or for church services. You can enter the cathedral through Adam’s Gate and Mary’s Gate.
Imperial tomb and the only papal tomb north of the Alps
With a total length of 99 meters, Bamberg Cathedral makes a striking impression at first glance. Guided tours are available that last 60 or 90 minutes.
Highlights include the Imperial Tomb and the tomb of Pope Clement II (1005–1047), the only papal tomb north of the Alps. Don’t forget to visit the crypt below the cathedral’s ground level. You’ll truly feel the weight of nearly a thousand years of history.
History: Bamberg Cathedral – Rebuilt Four Times
Bamberg Cathedral has a fascinating and eventful history. The master builders constructed the cathedral not once, but four times. The earliest structures appeared simple compared to today’s buildings. As early as the 9th and 10th centuries, the first documented church stood on this site—a simple hall church surrounded by a cemetery.
In 1004, Henry II laid the cornerstone for the second church. After a short construction period, the bishops consecrated Bamberg Cathedral as early as 1012. Forty-five bishops were present—a testament to how significant Bamberg already was at that time. In 1081, the first major fire broke out, following which the third church was built as a temporary reconstruction. The walls of the previous cathedral served as the foundation for this.
When it burned down again in 1185, the citizens tore down the cathedral and rebuilt it longer and more elaborately. It was then that the cathedral took on its current form. It was consecrated in 1237, and the Baroque renovations began in 1611. As you can see, Bamberg Cathedral has a long and rich history. Let that sink in as you explore it.
Special Highlights: The Pope, the Emperor, and the Bamberg Horseman
Discover the Emperor’s Tomb and the Pope’s Tomb
In the east choir of the cathedral, you’ll find the imperial tomb of Henry and Cunigunde. The version you see today dates from 1513—the imperial couple rests beneath the tomb’s cover slab. Whether they actually looked like this remains a mystery, as photography did not yet exist at that time.
The papal tomb—the only one preserved north of the Alps—is the second major highlight of Bamberg Cathedral. It awaits you in the west choir of Bamberg Cathedral, directly across from the imperial tomb. You’ll find it almost hidden away in a raised tomb behind the bishop’s chair.
The Mysterious Bamberg Rider
On the north pillar of the St. George’s Choir in Bamberg Cathedral, you can see the Bamberg Rider. Sculptors created the sculpture as early as the beginning of the 13th century, during the Staufer era.
The equestrian statue still stands today in its original form at its traditional location. The rider exudes a certain air of nonchalance. Originally, it was painted in bold colors. At 2.28 meters tall, the rider looks imposing—even if it appears smaller when viewed from below.
Surroundings: Points of interest near Bamberg Cathedral
The entire Old Town of Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers an extraordinary number of sights.
New Residence and Rose Garden
Right next to Bamberg Cathedral, you’ll find two top-notch attractions. Directly across the street, you’ll see the New Residence. Starting in 1604, this magnificent Baroque building served as the residence of the Bamberg bishops.
The building is impressive even from the outside—but be sure to take a look inside as well. Three state apartments and the Imperial Hall are among the highlights. If you’re looking for a quiet spot during your tour, head to the rose garden in the courtyard of the New Residence. From there, you’ll also have a stunning view of Bamberg.
The Old Royal Court and the Old Town
Before the bishops moved into the New Residence, the Old Court served as their residence. In the inner courtyard, you’ll find an impressive row of historic half-timbered buildings. Construction began in 1475, and you enter the inner courtyard through the Beautiful Gate, built in 1568. The Bamberg Museum of History houses its collection in the Old Court.
As you stroll down Karolinenstraße or Dominikanerstraße, you’ll come across many of Bamberg’s sights. The Old Town Hall is one of them and ranks among the most photographed landmarks in Germany. On a branch of the Regnitz River, you’ll find Little Venice, a row of picturesque medieval half-timbered houses. As a special highlight, we recommend taking a ride in one of the authentic Venetian gondolas.
Otherwise, just take a stroll through Bamberg’s old town and soak up the atmosphere. You’ll pass by many beautiful buildings.
