Your Bamberg City Tour

Old Court (Alte Hofhaltung) – Renaissance Courtyard on Cathedral Square

Former episcopal residence on Cathedral Hill with a tall Renaissance gable, the “Schöne Pforte” portal and a picturesque courtyard; today home to the Historical Museum.

Half‑timbered facades and arcades in the Old Court’s courtyard

The Old Court (Alte Hofhaltung), together with the cathedral and the New Residence, forms the heart of Cathedral Hill — a square ensemble of European significance in the UNESCO city of Bamberg [1]. Its multi‑part fabric, with a tall Renaissance gable facing Cathedral Square and a picturesque courtyard lined with late‑Gothic timber‑framed fronts, reads like a primer of urban architecture between the Middle Ages and the early modern period [1][4]. Today the complex houses the Historical Museum Bamberg, making the site both authentic backdrop and exhibition venue [4].

Highlights

  • “Schöne Pforte” (1573): The representative portal on Cathedral Square by Pankraz Wagner. At its center stands Mary; behind her Henry II and Cunegunde hold a model of the cathedral showing its pre‑baroque state. Outside stand Peter and George, plus Bishop Otto and probably Kilian; reclining river figures personify the Main and Regnitz [2].
  • Courtyard with arcades: An atmospheric space framed by timber‑frame galleries and roofs; the former residential and service use of the court remains tangible here [4][1].
  • Renaissance gable on the square: A striking counterpoint to the cathedral (Romanesque/Early Gothic) and the New Residence (Baroque) — a compressed stroll through styles in just a few steps [4].

History at a glance

The site goes back to the Castrum Babenberg, the royal palace of Emperor Henry II. With the foundation of the diocese in 1007, it developed into the episcopal residence [5][6]. The rear timber‑framed ranges date from 1475 onward; from 1568 additions on the square included the council room wing and the Schöne Pforte [1]. The works fused older fabric with new representative rooms into a coherent prince‑bishop’s seat.

In the eighteenth century the complex changed markedly: in 1777 parts were demolished (including the nave of St Thomas’ Chapel, sections of the Hohe Warte and the St Andrew’s Chapel at the start of Domgasse). Today’s route along Domgasse runs through the former interior of the demolished St Andrew’s Chapel [2]. These interventions relate to the re‑ordering of Cathedral Square and historic connections between cathedral and town [2][4].

Architecture & details

From the square you first meet the Renaissance gable — a show façade underscoring the site’s representative role [4]. Right beside it, the Schöne Pforte offers a dense iconographic program that links rulers, saints, diocesan tradition and cityscape (Main/Regnitz); the cathedral model preserves a key architectural time‑slice [2].

In the courtyard, the image of residential and service yards comes alive: continuous arcades, half‑timbering with profiled members and visible construction phases layered over time. The space vividly conveys daily life at the prince‑bishop’s seat — from work to representation [1][4]. In shifting sun and shade, carved timbers, oriels and coats of arms stand out; small changes of viewpoint make proportions and details snap into focus.

Read the surroundings as a “Cathedral Square triptych”: Cathedral (Romanesque/Early Gothic), Old Court (Renaissance) and New Residence (Baroque) form a compact sequence of styles — catnip for architecture lovers [4][1].

Today’s use

The Old Court is best known as the home of the Historical Museum Bamberg (Domplatz 7). In the summer season the museum presents collections on city and cultural history and uses the historic setting for exhibitions and learning [4]. The courtyard regularly serves as a stage for cultural events; the timber‑arcades provide a unique atmosphere. St Catherine’s Chapel can host civil weddings; overall the site is a lively cultural venue on Cathedral Hill. For current access, seasonal formats and dates, see the official pages [1][3][4].

Plan your visit

  • Address & location: Domplatz 7 on Cathedral Hill (Domberg), directly between the Bamberg Cathedral and the New Residence [4].
  • Hours & notices: Details vary. Check up‑to‑date information on access (chapels, courtyard, events) via the official pages:
    – Bavarian Palaces Department [1]
    – bamberg.info – Old Court [3]
    – Domberg portal [4]
  • Etiquette: Next to the cathedral and used as a cultural venue. Please be considerate of events, services and residents [4].
  • Photography: Usually permitted outdoors; event and indoor rules may apply — follow on‑site notices [1][3].

Nearby

About this page: Editorial overview of history, architecture and visit planning; based solely on the linked sources. Last reviewed: 03 Nov 2025.

Sources

  1. https://www.schloesser.bayern.de/deutsch/schloss/objekte/bam_hof.htm
  2. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alte_Hofhaltung_(Bamberg)
  3. https://www.bamberg.info/poi/alte_hofhaltung-4659/
  4. https://www.domberg-bamberg.de/highlights/alte-hofhaltung/
  5. https://gobamberg.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/alte-hofhaltung/
  6. https://www.visitbamberg.com/poi/alte-hofhaltung/

FAQ

Where can I find current notices on access and events?
The Bavarian Palaces Department provides updates for the Old Court; for programs, guided tours and seasonal offers, see the linked tourism pages.
Are weddings or performances held at the Old Court?
Yes. Civil weddings take place in St Catherine’s Chapel; the courtyard hosts seasonal cultural events. Check dates via the official pages.
Is the Historical Museum Bamberg located here?
Yes. The Historical Museum uses rooms of the Old Court at Domplatz 7. See the linked sites for opening times and special exhibitions.