Upper and Lower Bridges, Bamberg

The Upper Bridge holds a significant place in the city's history and architecture. It is one of the two bridges that connect the banks of the Regnitz River to the island on which the Old Town Hall stands. The bridge's name derives from its location upstream in the direction of the river's flow, distinguishing it from the Lower Bridge.

A statue of Saint Cunegonde of Luxembourg stands in the central part of the Lower Bridge. She was the first wife of Holy Roman Emperor Henry II, and her marriage to him marked the beginning of the German monarchy. When her husband fell seriously ill and eventually passed away, Cunegonde took on the responsibility of managing the state. Her fair rule and care for her subjects earned her a reputation as a just ruler.

In 1007, Cunegonde received Bamberg as a wedding gift from her husband, who established a bishopric in the city to promote Christianity in the Eastern lands. Due to this significant event, Bamberg became known as "Franconian Rome." Cunegonde used her personal funds, including her widow's inheritance, for the betterment of the city and its inhabitants.

The statue of Saint Cunegonde on the Upper Bridge is a replica of one of the six statues of saints that adorned the bridge before the devastating flood of 1784. This flood destroyed the original bridge but left a lasting impact on the city and its architecture.

Legend has it that Saint Cunegonde saved Bamberg from bombing during World War II. It is believed that she enveloped the city in a cloak of mists to protect it from allied aircraft. Although the bridge itself was destroyed during the war, Bamberg and its neighborhoods suffered less damage compared to many other German cities. As a result, Bamberg was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving its cultural and historical significance.