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Palace · Bamberg, Baviera
Neue Residenz
Baroque palace of the prince-bishops on the Domplatz, with the painted Kaisersaal and the Rosengarten, a rose garden with views over the city's rooftops.
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 Neue Residenz
The Neue Residenz, new residence, was the seat of the prince-bishops of Bamberg. The oldest part, in Renaissance style, began in 1604; the Baroque wing facing the Domplatz was built between 1697 and 1703 for Prince-Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn, to designs by Leonhard Dientzenhofer. Money ran out before completion, and the projecting stones on the corner of the Domplatz show where the building was meant to continue.
The palace has more than 40 ceremonial rooms. The highlight is the Kaisersaal, the emperor's hall, painted by Melchior Steidl around 1707–1709, with a trompe-l'œil ceiling and 16 portraits of emperors. The Staatsgalerie, a branch of the state's painting collections, occupies other rooms with works by Hans Baldung Grien and Lucas Cranach the Elder. The east wing houses the state library.
Between the wings lies the Rosengarten, a Baroque garden reorganized in 1733 according to plans by Balthasar Neumann, with about 4,500 rose bushes in box parterres, a rococo pavilion and sculptures by Ferdinand Tietz. From the garden wall there is a view over the town, with the church of St. Michael on the hill opposite.
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
About 1 hour for the palace rooms. Half an hour for the Rosengarten.
Best time
From June to September, when the roses are usually in bloom. The interior rooms are worth visiting year-round; check opening times and whether the visit is guided before you go.
How to get there
On foot, on the Domplatz directly opposite the cathedral. From the Altes Rathaus it's about a 10-minute uphill walk.
Tip
The Rosengarten can be visited separately from the palace and provides the most famous view of Bamberg's rooftops. Bring a snack to enjoy at the garden café in the warm months.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Neue Residenz
When do the roses usually bloom in the Rosengarten?
Blooming usually runs from June to September, with the peak in early European summer.
Is the visit to the palace rooms guided?
The state rooms are usually seen on guided tours at fixed times. Check the schedule and languages before you go.
Does the garden have a view of the city?
Yes. From the wall of the Rosengarten you can see the roofs of the old town and the Michaelsberg on the neighbouring hill.