This charming town has been our favorite so far. A large part of the town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Because it was not damaged during WWII, the homes and historical buildings are original. Below are half-timbered residences that line the Regnitz River.
Bamberg Cathedral was founded in 1002 by King (and later Emperor) Heinrich II (Henry II) and consecrated in 1012. After the first two cathedrals burned down in the 11th and 12th centuries, the current structure, a late Romanesque building with four large towers, was built in the 13th century.
The Bishop's Residence/Alte Hofhaltung (Old Palace) was located to right of the cathedral.
The first structure we saw as we approached Bamberg was the Mount St. Michael Abbey. Founded 1015, it became one of the culturally most important Benedictine abbeys in southern Germany. In 1803, the abbey was dissolved; and the 21 monks then in residence were obliged to leave. It is presently a retirement home.
According to legend, the bishop of Bamberg did not grant the citizens any land for the construction of a town hall. This prompted the townsfolk to ram stakes into the river Regnitz to create an artificial island on which they built the town hall they so badly wanted. The result is this beautiful Old Town Hall covered with decorative frescos.
Bamberg is known for its Rauchbier (smoked beer) and is home to nine breweries. One of the most picturesque breweries/taverns is the Schlenkerla. I was able to sample a Rauchbier and found it to have quite a smokey taste, but I enjoyed it.
As we sailed from Bamberg, we left the Rhine-Main-Danube canal and are now on the Main River. We are no longer in the land of beer but are now in the land of beautiful vineyards and wine.
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