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Cathedral · Bamberg, Baviera
Bamberger Dom
Romanesque and Gothic cathedral with four towers, founded by Emperor Henry II. It houses the Bamberg Horseman, the tomb of the imperial couple sculpted by Riemenschneider, and the only papal tomb in Germany.
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 Bamberger Dom
The emperor Henry II founded the cathedral in 1002, and the first church was consecrated in 1012. The present building, transitional between Romanesque and Gothic, was consecrated in 1237. The four towers are about 81 metres high and dominate the cathedral hill, the part of the town associated with the bishops.
Inside is the Bamberger Reiter, the Knight of Bamberg, a stone equestrian statue dating from around 1225 to 1237, attached to a choir pillar. Its identity is disputed; one hypothesis is King Stephen I of Hungary. It is one of the earliest life-size equestrian statues since Antiquity.
In the centre of the nave is the tomb of Henry II and Empress Cunegunda, carved by Tilman Riemenschneider between 1499 and 1513 in limestone and marble. In the west choir is the tomb of Pope Clement II, who died in 1047, the only papal tomb in Germany and the only one north of the Alps.
The Diözesanmuseum, the diocesan museum, occupies the cloister and the chapter house, designed by Balthasar Neumann, and displays the treasury and medieval textiles.
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
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the cathedral. Add another hour if you include the diocesan museum.
Best time
In the morning, when there's more light in the nave. During Masses and concerts tourist visits are usually suspended; check times before you go.
How to get there
On foot, walking up from the Altes Rathaus along Karolinenstraße to the Domplatz in about 10 minutes. City buses also serve the hill.
Tip
Also on the Domplatz are the Neue Residenz and the Alte Hofhaltung, the former residence of the bishops: it's worth reserving an afternoon for the whole hill. The cathedral is a place of worship; dress modestly and keep silence.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bamberger Dom
What is the Knight of Bamberg?
It is a 13th-century stone equestrian statue attached to a pillar inside the cathedral. No one knows for certain whom it represents.
Is there a pope buried in the cathedral?
Yes. Pope Clement II, who had been bishop of Bamberg, is buried in the west choir. It is the only papal tomb in Germany.
Is there an admission fee for the cathedral?
Entry to the church is usually free; the diocesan museum and guided tours require a ticket. Confirm before you go.