Bamberg Cathedral in the World Heritage town of Bamberg

Consecrated in 1237, Bamberg Cathedral is one of the most architecturally fascinating ecclesiastical buildings of the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic period. The cathedral is especially famous for its art treasures.

One of Germany's imperial cathedrals in the High Middle Ages, Bamberg Cathedral stands on one of the town's seven hills, with its four towers dominating the skyline. It is an outstanding monument of late Romanesque and early Gothic architecture. The cathedral houses many fascinating works of art, such as the famous statue of the Bamberg Rider, an altar by Veit Stoss, sculptures from the Hohenstaufen era (1230), the allegorical figures of Synagogue and Ecclesia, a visitation group and the laughing angel.

It is the burial place of Emperor Henry II and Cunigunde, the only imperial couple to be canonised, and also contains the tomb of Clement II, the only papal tomb north of the Alps. The tomb is made from Italian marble and adorned with bas-reliefs from the mid-13th century. The imperial tomb was created by Tillmann Riemenschneider in 1499 and 1513. The sides of the tomb are decorated with carvings depicting stories from the couple's lives.

The Diocesan Museum, adjacent to the cathedral cloister, displays mostly religious art. Opened in 1966, the museum is of great cultural and historical importance with its cathedral treasury and a collection of liturgical vestments dating from the High Middle Ages. Open daily. Combined cathedral and museum tours available. Visitors are not permitted to enter the cathedral during services.


Contact:
E-Mail: eckert@erzbistum-bamberg.de
Internet: http://www.eo-bamberg.de/