Our stop for today was the pretty town of Bamberg located in Upper Franconia on the River Regnitz three kilometres before it flows into the Main River. Bamberg extends over seven hills, each crowned by a beautiful church and it is one of the few cities in Germany not destroyed by WW11 bombings. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its authentic medieval appearance.
Some of the sights include the Cathedral Quarter.The cathedral (Dom) was consecrated in 1237 with its architecture revealing a transition from Romanesque to Gothic style around this time. It contains the Bamberg Rider (1225) , the tomb of Henry 11 and Kunigunde by Tilman Riemenschneider(1513) and the Mary Alter by Veit Stoss(1523). Pope Clement is buried in the east part of the cathedral. Adjoining the cathedral is the Old Court which was the bishop's residence before the building of the massive 17th century New Residence opposite with its beautiful rose gardens and views towards Michelsberg Hill.
Also interesting is the Old City Hall constructed on a bridge. The half timbered part dates back to 1440 while the frescoed section was added in 1668.
The former fishermen's houses of "Little Venice" are particularly picturesque. This is Bamberg's main shopping zone and includes many Baroque buildings such as the church of St Martin.
Our afternoon concluded with a beer tasting in Klosterbrau Brewery, Bamberg's oldest brewery.
Bamberg has ten independent breweries and is known particularly known for it smoke beer where the flavor comes from roasting malt over beechwood smoke.
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