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Architecture · Bamberg, Baviera
Altes Rathaus
Old town hall built over the Regnitz river, between two bridges, with painted façades and a half-timbered little house attached to the tower. It houses a porcelain museum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Altes Rathaus
The Altes Rathaus, the old town hall, stands in the middle of the left arm of the Regnitz, linked to the banks by the Obere Brücke and the Untere Brücke. First mentioned in 1387, it was rebuilt between 1461 and 1467 and acquired its Baroque and Rococo appearance between 1744 and 1756. It marks the old boundary between the bishops' hill and the burghers' town on the island.
A legend says that the burghers drove posts into the river to create an island so they wouldn't have to ask the bishop for land. Historians say it wasn't quite like that, but the story is told on every guided tour.
The façades are covered with illusionistic paintings, created by Johann Anwander in 1755 and repainted several times; in some places legs and angels seem to emerge from the wall. Attached to the tower is the Rottmeisterhäuschen, a 1668 half-timbered little house that leans over the water. Inside is the Sammlung Ludwig, a collection of Meissen porcelain and Strasbourg faience.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour to see the building from the outside and the bridges. Another hour if you enter the porcelain museum.
Best time
Early in the morning, before groups arrive at the bridges, or late in the afternoon when the light hits the paintings. For the museum, check opening days and times before you go.
How to get there
On foot, about a 20-minute walk from Bamberg station, crossing the island via the pedestrian zone. From the Domplatz, walk down Karolinenstraße to the Obere Brücke.
Tip
Cross both bridges: each side of the building has different paintings. From the Untere Brücke you can see the Rottmeisterhäuschen and, downstream, Klein-Venedig.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Altes Rathaus
Why was the town hall built in the middle of the river?
The building marks the boundary between the bishop's area and that of the burghers. Legend has it that residents created an island in the river to build it; historians dispute that version.
Can you enter the Altes Rathaus?
Yes, in the Sammlung Ludwig porcelain museum, which occupies the interior. Check that it is open and the opening times before you go.
Where is the best spot for photos?
From the banks of the Regnitz and from either bridge. The Untere Brücke shows the half-timbered house over the water.