Tag Archives: Bamberg Cruise

Why the Bamberg Dom Is a Must-Visit When You’re on a Danube River Cruise

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A Danube River Cruise in Bamberg, Germany will give you glimpses of well-preserved buildings. One of these buildings is the Bamberger Dom (Official name is Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St Georg. Also dubbed as the Bamberger Cathedral, it’s a must-visit site for many reasons.   Since 1993, the cathedral has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site  “Town of Bamberg”.

 

Bamberg Dom

History Encompassing Two Millennia

Before he became a king and an emperor, Heinrich II had his favorite home in Bamberg. Years later, he offered the property as a gift to his wife, Cunigunde.

Around 1002, Heinrich II became Germany’s King. He liked Bamberg so much that he did most of his governing duties therein. Aside from his fondness for the town, he and his wife were known for being pious. It wasn’t a surprise when they initiated the creation of a diocese in Bamberg.

Building began in the same year. It was declared holy on May 6, 1012, as part of the founder’s birthday celebration.

However, the initial cathedral was burned down decades later. It was replaced but it was also destroyed by fire. The current structure was built in the 1200s.

The Remaining Germany-Based Papal Grave

It’s known that many popes are buried in Italy, specifically in Rome. However, not all former popes are buried therein. Some papal graves are in France. There’s also one in Bamberg, Germany.

Before the 1800s, two papal graves were situated in Germany. The first one is that of Pope Clement II. Before he became the leader of the entire Catholic Church, he served as bishop of Bamberg. His body was first buried in Rome but was eventually moved to Bamberger Dom. The marble tomb of Clemens II is located in the west choir.

The second Germany-based papal grave belonged to Pope Benedict V. His tomb was in Hamburg. However, it was destroyed around the 1800s. This left Pope Clement II’s tomb the only other papal grave that was not based in Italy or France.

The Tomb of the Imperial Couple Turned Saints

The bishops of neighboring dioceses opposed the creation of the initial Bamberg diocese. However, then-king Heinrich II insisted.

Twelve years after becoming a king, Heinrich II was recognized as the Holy Roman Emperor. When he died in 1024, his wife planned his interment in the Bamberg Cathedral. Almost 16 years later, Empress Cunigunde also died. She and her husband shared a carved, marble tomb splendidly carved by Tilmann Riemenschneider.

The imperial couple didn’t have a child. As a result, the Ottonian dynasty of Emperors ceased to exist.

Nevertheless, the legacy of the former emperor and empress lives on. The Bamberg Cathedral is among the reminders of their contributions. Moreover, they were also canonized as saints by the Roman Church.

Works of Art

The cathedral itself is a work of art. Romanesque and Gothic styles were used in designing the structure. Aside from this, the sculptures you can find in the famed tombs are also worth seeing. The statues are noteworthy for their refined details as well.  The most noteworthy treasure is the slender equestrian statue of the Bamberger Reiter (Bamberg Horseman), whose identity remains a mystery.  This statue, possibly depicting the Hungarian king Stephen I, most likely dates to the period from 1225 to 1237. The Reiter is probably the oldest statue of a horseman created in post-Roman Germany.  Nearby, the Virgin Mary altar by Veit Stoss also warrants closer inspection.

Bamberger Dom is among the best sites to visit, not just in the town of Bamberg, but in the entire German country. Everyone can bask in the solemnness the cathedral and its rich history offer. You can also enjoy the breathtaking architecture, sculpture and other works of art you can see therein.

Bamberg is a stop offered on river cruises itineraries that feature a Main and Danube River itinerary.  Featured cruises are AmaWaterways Medieval Treasures; Europe’s Rivers & Castles; as well as the 14-night Magnificent Europe.  Arosa’s  “Romance on the Rhine” cruising between Cologne and Engelhartszell, Austria as well as Cologne and Regensburg also makes a stop in Bamburg.

Europeanbarging can assist with finding the perfect river cruise for you.  Contact them for promotional offers and details on payment plans.  Europeanbarging are barge and river cruise specialist since 1998.  For more information:  jan@europeanbarging.com  888-869-7907

Visit One of the Most Beautiful Hidden Gems in the World – Bamberg

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Germany is known for its numerous tourist spots and beautiful medieval towns. Some of the commonly visited places are Nuremberg, Heidelberg, and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Since these three are heavily promoted and recommended by travel books and other resources, people miss the opportunity on finding this incredible, hidden gem, called Bamburg Germany.

Bamberg is pure eye candy. It is known for its many Catholic churches, authentic medieval setting preserved by very minimal damages from World War II, home to a wide variety of locally brewed beers, the imperial couple’s tomb, and the only place where a pope is buried north of the alps. This article will feature reasons why Bamberg has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to many travel bloggers and enthusiasts, strolling around Bamberg is best done during the day. The peaceful silence and vibe can be most enjoyed during the morning, around 8 to 9am. The picturesque sights and architecture of the town will allow you to enjoy lengthy and relaxing walks throughout the town.

Bamberg Church (locally known as Bamberger Dom) is one of the most artistically crafted churches ever. It is one of the world’s few imperial cathedrals, where the tomb of imperial couple King Henry II and Cunigunde of Luxembourg reside. They are known for their godly acts as they received sainthood. Another grave located in the church is Pope Clemence II. Formerly named bishop Suidger of Bamberg, he was elected as pope in 1046. The cathedral encountered a few mishaps, having been destroyed by fire twice on two occasions. Damaged areas were repaired in 1237 and the building is still standing tall today.

The Old Court, just nearby the Bamberg Church, was originally a fort. Alte Hofhaltung, as it was locally known, was later converted to a home for bishops, then eventually became Bamberg’s largest museum.

The Altes Rathaus or the Old Town Hall, is easily the most attractive building in Bamberg. One side of the wall is painted with gorgeous artwork. Its location where it was built is also interesting, as it rests in the middle of the Regnitz River, connected by bridges on each side – truly an interesting piece of architecture.

The Klein Venedig is a small area where people could eat and socialize. Its name translates to “Little Venice”. The best part of his place is it provides a lovely view of the town as you sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee. Last but definitely not the least, Bamberg is famed for its uniquely brewed smoked beer. This can be found in The Schlenkerla, one of the town’s famous breweries.

Bamberg can be easily visited by taking a German river cruise through the Main-Danube Canal. For the best experience, the AmaWaterways line is recommended. Their Europe’s Rivers and Castles cruises between Nuremberg and Luxembourg on the AmaDante ship. It offers trips for as low as $2,999 and guarantees a luxurious experience while cruising 3 rivers of Germany.

For more information or to book a cabin, please contact: jan@europeanbarging.com or 888-869-7907.  Barge and River Cruise Specialist.