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Church · Bamberg, Baviera
Michaelsberg
Former Benedictine monastery founded in 1015 on one of Bamberg's seven hills. The church of St. Michael has a painted ceiling with hundreds of plants and the tomb of Saint Otto; the complex houses a beer 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 Michaelsberg
The Michaelsberg monastery was founded in 1015 by Bishop Eberhard I on one of the seven hills that earned Bamberg the nickname "Rome of Franconia." The church of St. Michael, with a Baroque façade at the top of a stairway, is visible from many points across the town.
Inside, the nave vault was painted after a fire in 1610 with the Himmelsgarten, the garden of heaven, a catalogue of plants and royal flowers. Bishop Otto, who died in 1139 and was canonized, is buried in the church; the present tomb dates from around 1435. The church underwent more than a decade of restoration and has reopened for visits, for now on limited days.
In the buildings of the former monastery is the Fränkisches Brauereimuseum, Franconia's beer museum, with historic malting and brewing equipment. The courtyard and terrace offer views over the town and the cathedral on the opposite hill.
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 1.5 hours for the church and terrace. Add another hour for the beer museum.
Best time
The church is usually open Friday to Sunday and on public holidays. In the late afternoon the terrace view catches light on the cathedral. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
On foot, about a 15-minute uphill walk from the Altes Rathaus or the Domplatz. There is no public parking on site; city buses stop nearby.
Tip
Groups require prior arrangement to visit the church. The beer museum has its own opening times; check both before you go up.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Michaelsberg
Is the church of St. Michael open?
Yes, after a long restoration, but on limited days: it is usually open from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays. Confirm before you go.
What is the Himmelsgarten?
It is the painting of the church vault, with hundreds of real plants and flowers, made after a fire in the early 17th century.
Is the beer museum on the same hill?
Yes. The Fränkisches Brauereimuseum is housed in the buildings of the former monastery, next to the church.