Your Bamberg City Tour

Bamberg Cathedral – Imperial Cathedral with Papal Tomb & Bamberg Horseman

Imperial cathedral with four towers (Late Romanesque/Early Gothic) in the UNESCO Old Town: tomb of Henry II and Cunigunde, the only papal tomb north of the Alps, and the famed Bamberg Horseman.

West façade of Bamberg Cathedral with four towers

Bamberg’s High Cathedral of St Peter and St George, with its four towers, shapes the skyline of the UNESCO‑listed Old Town [5]. The present cathedral blends late Romanesque and early Gothic and is regarded as a major medieval work in Franconia [4][5]. Inside are the imperial tomb of Saints Henry II and Cunigunde and the papal tomb of Clement II—unique north of the Alps [2][5].

Highlights

  • For easy orientation: circle Cathedral Square (Domplatz) outside first, then explore the interior at a calm pace.

  • Pause briefly: two or three viewpoints make scale and proportions especially clear.

  • Four striking towers and a dual‑choir layout define the exterior and spatial drama [5].

  • Bamberg Horseman: iconic sculpture inside the cathedral from the early thirteenth century [5].

  • High tomb of Henry II and Cunigunde, created by Tilman Riemenschneider [5].

  • Only papal tomb north of the Alps: Clement II [2][5].

  • Part of UNESCO World Heritage Bamberg; the cathedral dominates the Cathedral Hill (Domberg) [5].

History in Brief

The bishopric was founded in 1007; the first cathedral was consecrated on 6 May 1012 [4][5]. Fires in the twelfth century led to a rebuilding completed in the thirteenth century with late Romanesque and early Gothic elements [4][5]. As the burial place of the childless imperial couple, the cathedral gained special memorial significance within the Ottonian‑Salian ruler cult [4]. At the same time, the transition from Romanesque to early Gothic shows how severity and upward movement form a distinct visual language. The sequence of consecration, destruction, and rebuilding allows visitors to trace medieval architecture in a single complex—making the tour both vivid and instructive.

Important artworks survive in the nave and transept [5]. Outstanding is the freestanding high tomb of Henry II and Cunigunde, created by Tilman Riemenschneider around 1500 [5]. The Bamberg Horseman dates to around 1230; its meaning is still debated [5]. With the tomb of Pope Clement II, the cathedral also preserves a unique testimony to Roman church history north of the Alps [2][5].

Architecture & Art

Entering the interior, you experience a clear sequence of spaces that gradually invites calm. Form, light, and material create a quiet dialogue that guides the gaze without fixing it—leaving time to look before focusing on individual works.

Take short pauses between the main works. Small shifts in position change perception noticeably and make proportions and details appear anew. This deliberate, unhurried exploration suits the atmosphere on the Cathedral Hill (Domberg).

The cathedral combines Romanesque austerity with early Gothic impulses; portals, piers, and spatial sequences give the building a clear order [4][5]. If you take your time, capitals, supports, and portals reveal a fine balance of structure and iconography. The interplay of east and west choirs opens distinctive sightlines and liturgical relationships [4][5]. Beyond the imperial and papal tombs and the Horseman, further furnishings round out the ensemble; altars and portals from different periods trace the development of cathedral art [2][3][5]. For a first impression, use the virtual tour with views of key works and choirs [6].

Plan Your Visit

  • Opening times: Check the latest notices on the official website; visits are outside service times only. bamberger-dom.de [2][3].
  • Guided tours & groups: Public tours are offered seasonally; group tours are by registration and coordinated via the DoMus visitor service [3].
  • Respect & quiet: During liturgical celebrations the cathedral is closed to sightseeing; please follow posted notices [2][3].
  • Preview from home: Use the virtual tour to orient yourself and preview the main works [6].

Tips for Your Visit

After the interior, spend a few minutes at the exterior portals. Even small changes in distance make figures and ornament easier to read—without disturbing the quiet of the place.

Plan both fixed and flexible time: first an overview, then a focus. A small notebook or photo sketches help organise impressions without rushing. Keep a respectful distance, especially during liturgy.

Plan time for Cathedral Square (Domplatz) and combine your visit with Old Court (Alte Hofhaltung) and New Residence (Neue Residenz) right on the Cathedral Hill (Domberg) [5]. A short detour to the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) links the Cathedral Hill (Domberg) with the island city and leads through especially atmospheric lanes [3][5]. If you want a broader city view, the Michaelsberg is a short walk and offers wide vistas [5]. With children, split the visit into short stages: a look inside, fresh air on Cathedral Square (Domplatz), then one highlight. A small sketch helps you relocate favourite details.

Photographers often find soft side‑light on Cathedral Square (Domplatz) in the afternoon. Observe quiet zones and avoid flash where requested.

A leisurely loop around Cathedral Square (Domplatz) often reveals new architectural details from different angles.

Nearby

Before moving on, look at the Cathedral Hill (Domberg) as a whole: the sequence of spaces, the slope edge, and the adjoining ensembles form a “small city within the city”. A brief pause here makes the routes between cathedral, Alte Hofhaltung and Neue Residenz more legible.

A short quiet moment at the edge of Cathedral Square (Domplatz) gathers your impressions: from a distance, proportions appear clearer and motifs easier to place.

About this page: Editorial overview on history, art, and visit planning; based solely on official/authoritative sources. Last reviewed on 03 Nov 2025.

To round off your visit, take a final look back at the façades from Cathedral Square (Domplatz). From a little distance, impressions settle into an overall picture—and you may feel inspired to explore more of Bamberg.

Sources

  1. https://bamberger-dom.de/index.html
  2. https://www.domberg-bamberg.de/highlights/dom-st-peter-und-st-georg/
  3. https://www.bamberg.info/poi/dom-4643/
  4. https://www.historisches-lexikon-bayerns.de/Lexikon/Bamberg,_Dom
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamberg_Cathedral
  6. https://virtueller-domrundgang.eo-bamberg.de

FAQ

Is admission to the cathedral free?
The cathedral is a house of worship; visits are generally possible but always secondary to the liturgy. During services and special occasions the cathedral is closed to tours/visits. Please check short‑notice updates on the official website.
Can you see the Bamberg Horseman?
Yes. The sculpture is inside the cathedral and is accessible outside service times.
Are there guided tours?
Yes. Public tours for individual visitors are scheduled day‑by‑day. Groups must register and may only be guided by authorized cathedral guides; bookings via the DoMus visitor service.