St. Martin (Martinskirche) is Bamberg’s Baroque city church in the heart of the Old Town—just steps from the Green Market. Founded as a Jesuit church, it shapes the urban scene with a striking façade and forms a counterpoint to the medieval silhouettes on the Domberg. The linked pages provide reliable overviews of history, architecture and current use. [1][2][3]
Highlights
- Baroque presence in the Old Town: St. Martin stands directly on the Green Market, one of the city’s busiest squares. [3]
- Former Jesuit church: Built for the Jesuit mission and later converted into the parish church for the city. [1][2]
- Clear interior axis: A Baroque longitudinal plan leads the eye toward the high altar and side chapels; heritage pages outline the artistic setting. [1][4]
- Central for walking tours: Short distances link the church with the Old Town Hall, Geyerswörth Palace and the Regnitz riverfront. [3][5]
History in brief
St. Martin originated in Bamberg’s Jesuit period, when teaching, pastoral work and architecture focused on the Old Town. Overviews explain how the church served as a representative Jesuit building and later became the city’s parish church, shifting from an order center to an open parish space. [1][2]
After later secular changes, St. Martin remained a liturgical and cultural hub. Heritage and tourism entries emphasize its continuous use and urban significance within the Old Town fabric. [3][4]
Architecture & interior
The façade structures the square with pilasters, cornices and a strong central projection—Baroque verticality that reads clearly amid market activity. Inside, the longitudinal axis directs attention to the altar; side chapels, pulpit and imagery fit the liturgical order. For artwork details, see the linked sources. [1][4]
Worship, visiting & etiquette
As a place of worship, liturgy has priority. Plan visits outside service times and check on‑site notices and the parish website; the tourism portal adds practical access notes. Please keep a quiet atmosphere; photography may be restricted depending on signs. [2][3]
Tips
- Combine places: Start at the Green Market, step into St. Martin, then continue to the Old Town Hall; add Geyerswörth Palace for waterside views. [3][5]
- Read inside & out: Revisit the façade after the interior—small shifts in viewpoint reveal proportions and detail. [1]
Nearby
- Green Market – daily life hub. [3]
- Gabelmann – Neptune fountain nicknamed “Gabelmann”. [5]
- Old Town Hall – landmark on the bridge. [3]
- Geyerswörth Palace – waterside ensemble. [3]
- Bamberg Cathedral – Domberg within easy reach. [3]
About this page: editorial overview based solely on the linked sources. Last reviewed: 2025-11-04.