Bamberg Cathedral and Square, Bamberg (must see)

The Bamberg Cathedral is a magnificent church constructed in the 13th century. The cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg and is administered by the Roman Catholic Church. It holds great historical and cultural significance, being designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Town of Bamberg" since 1993.

The cathedral's origins can be traced back to its founding in 1002 by King Heinrich II (Henry II), who later became Emperor. It was consecrated in 1012, and within its walls lie the tombs of Henry II and his wife Cunigunde. They are the only imperial couple to have been canonized, making their resting place of great importance. Additionally, the cathedral houses the sole papal grave in Germany and north of the Alps, that of Pope Clement II (1005–1047).

Having experienced two fires in the 11th and 12th centuries, the current Bamberg Cathedral was constructed in the 13th century in a late Romanesque style. It boasts four impressive towers and has dimensions of approximately 94 meters in length, 28 meters in width, and 26 meters in height. Each of the four towers reaches a height of about 81 meters. The interior of the cathedral is adorned with numerous artistic masterpieces, including the renowned marble tomb of its founder, Henry II, and his wife Kunigunde. This masterpiece, sculpted by Tilman Riemenschneider between 1499 and 1513, is a sight to behold.

Another notable treasure housed within the cathedral is the Bamberg Horseman, an equestrian statue that dates back to the period between 1225 and 1237. This striking statue, believed to depict the Hungarian king Stephen I, is a remarkable example of medieval sculpture.

In addition to the cathedral, the Cathedral Square is adorned with two remarkable architectural gems. The Renaissance buildings of the Old Court and the Baroque New Residence stand proudly in front of the square. These palaces served as the residences for the bishops from the 15th century to 1602 and from 1602 to 1803, respectively.

Originally referred to as Courtyard Square or Castle Square, the square underwent a name change to Karolinen Square after secularization, in honor of Queen Karoline of Bavaria. However, it was not until 1949 that the area officially became known as Cathedral Square, encompassing not only the immediate surroundings of the cathedral but the entire square. This change in nomenclature reflects the significance and centrality of the cathedral within the architectural ensemble and the recognition of Cathedral Square as a distinct and cherished historical space in Bamberg.

Cathedral