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imported>InternetArchiveBot Rescuing 1 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5 |
imported>Alhawchi Added source for Bamberg tram history; corrected date range from "1920s" to 1897–1922 per historical record |
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|photo3a = Bamberger Dom BW 6.JPG | |photo3a = Bamberger Dom BW 6.JPG | ||
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|image_caption = Top: Skyline with old town hall (''{{lang|de|Altes Rathaus}}'') to the right Middle: [[Michaelsberg Abbey, Bamberg|Michaelsberg Abbey]] Bottom: [[Bamberg Cathedral]] | |image_caption = Top: Skyline with old town hall (''{{lang|de|Altes Rathaus}}'') to the right. Middle: [[Michaelsberg Abbey, Bamberg|Michaelsberg Abbey]]. Bottom: [[Bamberg Cathedral]] | ||
|type=Town | |type=Town | ||
|image_flag=Flagge Bamberg.svg | |image_flag=Flagge Bamberg.svg | ||
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[[Image:Bamberg-Schlenkerla1-Asio.JPG|thumb|The [[Schlenkerla]], one of Bamberg's breweries and taverns]] | [[Image:Bamberg-Schlenkerla1-Asio.JPG|thumb|The [[Schlenkerla]], one of Bamberg's breweries and taverns]] | ||
[[Image:Bamberg-AlteHofhaltung2-Asio.JPG|thumb|The old palace ({{lang|de|Alte Hofhaltung}})]] | [[Image:Bamberg-AlteHofhaltung2-Asio.JPG|thumb|The old palace ({{lang|de|Alte Hofhaltung}})]] | ||
From the middle of the 13th century onwards, the bishops were princes of the Empire<ref name="EB1911"/> and ruled Bamberg, overseeing the construction of monumental buildings. In 1248 and 1260, the | From the middle of the 13th century onwards, the bishops were princes of the Empire<ref name="EB1911"/> and ruled Bamberg, overseeing the construction of monumental buildings. In 1248 and 1260, the See obtained large portions of the estates of the [[Duke of Merania|Counts of Meran]], partly through purchase and partly through the appropriation of extinguished fiefs.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} | ||
The old [[Bishopric of Bamberg]] was composed of an unbroken territory extending from [[Schlüsselfeld]] in a northeasterly direction to the [[Franconian Forest]], and possessed in addition estates in the Duchies of [[Duchy of Carinthia|Carinthia]] and [[Salzburg]], in the [[Nordgau (Bavaria)|Nordgau]] (the present [[Upper Palatinate]]), in [[Thuringia]], and on the [[Danube]]. By the changes resulting from the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]], the territory of this see was reduced by nearly one half in extent. Since 1279 the [[coat of arms of the city of Bamberg]] is known in the form of a seal.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} | The old [[Bishopric of Bamberg]] was composed of an unbroken territory extending from [[Schlüsselfeld]] in a northeasterly direction to the [[Franconian Forest]], and possessed in addition estates in the Duchies of [[Duchy of Carinthia|Carinthia]] and [[Salzburg]], in the [[Nordgau (Bavaria)|Nordgau]] (the present [[Upper Palatinate]]), in [[Thuringia]], and on the [[Danube]]. By the changes resulting from the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]], the territory of this see was reduced by nearly one half in extent. Since 1279 the [[coat of arms of the city of Bamberg]] is known in the form of a seal.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} | ||
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In 1647, the [[University of Bamberg]] was founded as ''{{lang|la|Academia Bambergensis}}''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studies/general-information/the-university-of-bamberg-and-its-surroundings/ |title=The University of Bamberg and its Surroundings – Studies |access-date=2 June 2017 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518135401/https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studies/general-information/the-university-of-bamberg-and-its-surroundings/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | In 1647, the [[University of Bamberg]] was founded as ''{{lang|la|Academia Bambergensis}}''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studies/general-information/the-university-of-bamberg-and-its-surroundings/ |title=The University of Bamberg and its Surroundings – Studies |access-date=2 June 2017 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518135401/https://www.uni-bamberg.de/en/studies/general-information/the-university-of-bamberg-and-its-surroundings/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | ||
[[Bambrzy]] (''{{lang|de|Posen Bambergers}}'') are German [[Polish people|Poles]] who are descended from settlers from the Bamberg area who settled in villages around [[Poznań]] in the years 1719–1753. In 1759, the possessions and jurisdictions of the diocese situated in [[Austria]] were sold to that state. When the secularization of church lands took place (1802) the diocese covered {{cvt|3305|km2|sqmi}} and had a population of 207,000. Bamberg thus lost its independence in 1802, becoming part of [[Electorate of Bavaria|Bavaria]] in 1803.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bamberg {{!}} Breweries, Cathedral, Old Town {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Bamberg-Germany |access-date=28 October 2023 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> The free state of Bavaria and the Federal Republic of Germany gave protections to Bamberg, though the city does handle its own management of properties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Centre |first=UNESCO World Heritage |title=Town of Bamberg |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/624/ |access-date=28 October 2023 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref> | [[Bambrzy]] (''{{lang|de|Posen Bambergers}}'') are German [[Polish people|Poles]] who are descended from settlers from the Bamberg area who settled in villages around [[Poznań]] in the years 1719–1753. In 1759, the possessions and jurisdictions of the diocese situated in [[Austria]] were sold to that state. When the secularization of church lands took place (1802) the diocese covered {{cvt|3305|km2|sqmi}} and had a population of 207,000. Bamberg thus lost its independence in 1802, becoming part of [[Electorate of Bavaria|Bavaria]] in 1803.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bamberg {{!}} Breweries, Cathedral, Old Town {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Bamberg-Germany |access-date=28 October 2023 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> The free state of Bavaria and the [[Germany|Federal Republic of Germany]] gave protections to Bamberg, though the city does handle its own management of properties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Centre |first=UNESCO World Heritage |title=Town of Bamberg |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/624/ |access-date=28 October 2023 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref> | ||
In 1815 chief of staff of [[Emperor of the French|French Emperor]] [[Napoleon|Napoleon Bonaparte]], [[Louis-Alexandre Berthier|Louis Alexandre Berthier]] died in Bamberg, after falling out of the window in his Bamberg home.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Louis Alexandre Berthier (1753-1815) |url=https://www.frenchempire.net/biographies/berthier/ |access-date=2026-01-09 |website=www.frenchempire.net}}</ref> | |||
Bamberg was first connected to the German rail system in 1844, which has been an important part of its infrastructure ever since. After a communist uprising took control over Bavaria in the years following [[World War I]], the state government fled to Bamberg and stayed there for almost two years before the Bavarian capital of [[Munich]] was retaken by ''[[Freikorps]]'' units (see [[Bavarian Soviet Republic]]). The first republican constitution of Bavaria was passed in Bamberg, becoming known as the ''Bamberger Verfassung'' (Bamberg Constitution).<ref>{{cite web |title=Constitution of the Free State of Bavaria ("Bamberger Verfassung"), 1919 |url=https://www.bavarikon.de/object/bav:BSB-CMS-0000000000003678?locale=en&p=&lang=en}}</ref> | Bamberg was first connected to the German rail system in 1844, which has been an important part of its infrastructure ever since. After a communist uprising took control over Bavaria in the years following [[World War I]], the state government fled to Bamberg and stayed there for almost two years before the Bavarian capital of [[Munich]] was retaken by ''[[Freikorps]]'' units (see [[Bavarian Soviet Republic]]). The first republican constitution of Bavaria was passed in Bamberg, becoming known as the ''Bamberger Verfassung'' (Bamberg Constitution).<ref>{{cite web |title=Constitution of the Free State of Bavaria ("Bamberger Verfassung"), 1919 |url=https://www.bavarikon.de/object/bav:BSB-CMS-0000000000003678?locale=en&p=&lang=en}}</ref> | ||
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In February 1926 Bamberg served as the venue for the [[Bamberg Conference]], convened by [[Adolf Hitler]] in his attempt to foster unity and to stifle dissent within the then-young [[Nazi party]]. Bamberg was chosen for its location in Upper Franconia, reasonably close to the residences of the members of the dissident northern Nazi faction but still within Bavaria.<ref>''See generally'' {{cite book |last=Kershaw |first=Ian |isbn=0-393-04671-0 |author-link=Ian Kershaw |title=Hitler 1889–1936: Hubris |location=New York |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |year=1999 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/hitlerhubris00kers/page/274 274–78] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/hitlerhubris00kers/page/274}} ''See also'' {{cite book |last=Toland |first=John |title=Adolf Hitler |url=https://archive.org/details/adolfhitler02tola |url-access=registration |author-link=John Toland (author) |publisher=Doubleday & Company |year=1976 |location=New York |pages=213–18 |isbn=0-385-03724-4}}</ref> | In February 1926 Bamberg served as the venue for the [[Bamberg Conference]], convened by [[Adolf Hitler]] in his attempt to foster unity and to stifle dissent within the then-young [[Nazi party]]. Bamberg was chosen for its location in Upper Franconia, reasonably close to the residences of the members of the dissident northern Nazi faction but still within Bavaria.<ref>''See generally'' {{cite book |last=Kershaw |first=Ian |isbn=0-393-04671-0 |author-link=Ian Kershaw |title=Hitler 1889–1936: Hubris |location=New York |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |year=1999 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/hitlerhubris00kers/page/274 274–78] |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/hitlerhubris00kers/page/274}} ''See also'' {{cite book |last=Toland |first=John |title=Adolf Hitler |url=https://archive.org/details/adolfhitler02tola |url-access=registration |author-link=John Toland (author) |publisher=Doubleday & Company |year=1976 |location=New York |pages=213–18 |isbn=0-385-03724-4}}</ref> | ||
During the [[Bombing of Bamberg]], the city was hit a total of nine times by Allied warplanes between 1944 and 1945. While Bamberg was not attacked as badly as nearby [[Nuremberg]], 4.4% of the city ended up being destroyed and 378 civilians died. The biggest and deadliest bombing run happened on 22 February 1945. In the afternoon, American planes attacked the Bamberg railway station and surroundings with bombs. | During the [[Bombing of Bamberg]], the city was hit a total of nine times by Allied warplanes between 1944 and 1945. While Bamberg was not attacked as badly as nearby [[Nuremberg]], 4.4% of the city ended up being destroyed and 378 civilians died. The biggest and deadliest bombing run happened on 22 February 1945. In the afternoon, American planes attacked the Bamberg railway station and surroundings with bombs. Bombs also hit residential houses, killing a total of 216 civilians and causing many houses between Oberer Stephansberg and Oberer Kaulberg to be damaged or destroyed as a result. The inner city was also hit, particularly in the Obstmarkt, Lange Straße, Grüner Markt and Keßlerstraße.<ref>[https://www.augias.net/2015/02/23/anet8166/ 'Vom Krieg verschont? Das Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs 1945 in Bamberg'] – ''AUGIAS.net'', retrieved on 2 October 2024</ref><ref>[https://hdbg.eu/wiederaufbau/orte/detail/bamberg/43 'Bamberg'] – ''Atlas Zum Wiederaufbau'', retrieved on 2 October 2024</ref> Three significant landmarks in the city were hit: the [[Erlöserkirche, Bamberg|Erlöserkirche]] or ''Church of the Redeemer'' at the Kunigundendamm which was almost completely destroyed (only the tower remained), the historic Altane on the Grüner Markt and the Alte Maut or Old Toll. A follow-up attack was planned for 23 February, but ultimately cancelled due to bad weather.<ref>[https://www.stadt.bamberg.de/Unsere-Stadt/Bombennacht-im-Februar-1945-hallt-nach.php?object=tx,3481.6&ModID=7&FID=3481.22065.1&NavID=2730.2&La=1 'Bombennacht im Februar 1945 hallt nach'] – ''Stadt Bamberg'', retrieved on 2 October 2024</ref> After that, low-flying Allied aircraft continued to attack Bamberg, threatening large gatherings of people and sometimes also dropping leaflets mocking National Socialism and its propaganda. Another 67 people died as a result of these attacks.<ref>[https://www.historisches-forum.bayern.de/fileadmin/user_upload/historisches_forum/Texte/Archivprojekte_-_Fundus/Oberfranken/bamberg_stunde_null_01_konzeption.pdf 'Die "Stunde Null" in Bamberg Überleben und Wiederaufbau nach dem Krieg'] – ''Stadtarchiv Bamberg'', retrieved on 2 October 2024</ref> The city fell with little resistance to American troops on 14 April, despite the use of explosives on all of the bridges to the city by the retreating German forces. After the war had ended, reconstruction efforts began. | ||
===Historical population=== | ===Historical population=== | ||
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==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
Bamberg is located in [[Franconia]], {{cvt|63|km|mi}} north of Nuremberg by railway and {{cvt|101|km|mi}} east of [[Würzburg]], also by rail. It is situated on the Regnitz river, {{cvt|3|km|mi}} before it flows into the [[Main (river)|Main]] river. | Bamberg is located in [[Franconia]], {{cvt|63|km|mi}} north of Nuremberg by railway and {{cvt|101|km|mi}} east of [[Würzburg]], also by rail. It is situated on the Regnitz river, {{cvt|3|km|mi}} before it flows into the [[Main (river)|Main]] river.{{citation needed|date=November 2025}} | ||
Its geography is shaped by the [[Regnitz]] and by the foothills of the [[Steigerwald]], part of the German uplands. From northeast to southwest, the town is divided into first the Regnitz plain, then one large and several small islands formed by two arms of the Regnitz (''{{lang|de|Inselstadt}}''), and finally the part of town on the hills, the "Hill Town" (''{{lang|de|Bergstadt}}''). | Its geography is shaped by the [[Regnitz]] and by the foothills of the [[Steigerwald]], part of the German uplands. From northeast to southwest, the town is divided into first the Regnitz plain, then one large and several small islands formed by two arms of the Regnitz (''{{lang|de|Inselstadt}}''), and finally the part of town on the hills, the "Hill Town" (''{{lang|de|Bergstadt}}'').{{citation needed|date=November 2025}} | ||
===The seven hills of Bamberg=== | ===The seven hills of Bamberg=== | ||
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==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
Bamberg is considered an important economic center and is one of the 15 strongest economic regions in Bavaria compared to the other 95 districts and independent cities. Central locations for industry, manufacturing and trade can be found in the north and east of the city. In the north, around the Bamberg harbor, there is a large industrial area that partly extends into the Hallstadt urban area. Bosch operates its largest plant in Germany in the east and is also the city's most important employer. | Bamberg is considered an important economic center and is one of the 15 strongest economic regions in Bavaria compared to the other 95 districts and independent cities. Central locations for industry, manufacturing and trade can be found in the north and east of the city. In the north, around the Bamberg harbor, there is a large industrial area that partly extends into the Hallstadt urban area. Bosch operates its largest plant in Germany in the east and is also the city's most important employer.{{citation needed|date=November 2025}} | ||
Relevant economic sectors in Bamberg are the automotive supply industry, electrical engineering and the food industry. The traditional industry of market gardening with large inner-city cultivation areas, which has characterized the city since its beginnings, is still present. Due to its UNESCO World Heritage status and the more than 800,000 overnight guests a year in the city alone, tourism, hotels and gastronomy also play a central role in the city's economy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bamberg |first=Stadt |date=15 February 2024 |title=Tourismus: 1,2 Millionen Übernachtungen in Stadt und Land |url=https://www.stadt.bamberg.de/Unsere-Stadt/Tourismus-1-2-Millionen-%C3%9Cbernachtungen-in-Stadt-und-Land.php?ModID=7&FID=3481.21999.1&object=tx%2C3481.6.1&La=1&NavID=2730.2 |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=Stadt Bamberg |language=de}}</ref> | Relevant economic sectors in Bamberg are the automotive supply industry, electrical engineering and the food industry. The traditional industry of market gardening with large inner-city cultivation areas, which has characterized the city since its beginnings, is still present. Due to its UNESCO World Heritage status and the more than 800,000 overnight guests a year in the city alone, tourism, hotels and gastronomy also play a central role in the city's economy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bamberg |first=Stadt |date=15 February 2024 |title=Tourismus: 1,2 Millionen Übernachtungen in Stadt und Land |url=https://www.stadt.bamberg.de/Unsere-Stadt/Tourismus-1-2-Millionen-%C3%9Cbernachtungen-in-Stadt-und-Land.php?ModID=7&FID=3481.21999.1&object=tx%2C3481.6.1&La=1&NavID=2730.2 |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=Stadt Bamberg |language=de}}</ref> | ||
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Important sectors of the manufacturing industry in Bamberg are drive technologies and electrical engineering. Bosch has been operating a production facility in Bamberg with over 6000 employees since 1939. The company produces energy, mobility and drive systems, in particular spark plugs for the automotive industry. Due to its dependence on the combustion engine, the company announced in 2019 that it would be switching to fuel cells,[145] although around 1000 jobs are to be transferred to other locations from 2026. Coburg-based automotive supplier Brose has had an administration building with 600 employees on Berliner Ring since 2016. Together with the plant in Hallstadt, the region is the company's second-largest location with more than 2,000 employees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wirtschaftswoche |date=7 November 2019 |title=Bosch: Standortsicherung in Bamberg ausgehandelt |url=https://www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/industrie/bosch-standortsicherung-in-bamberg-ausgehandelt/25201910.html |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=www.wiwo.de |language=de}}</ref> | Important sectors of the manufacturing industry in Bamberg are drive technologies and electrical engineering. Bosch has been operating a production facility in Bamberg with over 6000 employees since 1939. The company produces energy, mobility and drive systems, in particular spark plugs for the automotive industry. Due to its dependence on the combustion engine, the company announced in 2019 that it would be switching to fuel cells,[145] although around 1000 jobs are to be transferred to other locations from 2026. Coburg-based automotive supplier Brose has had an administration building with 600 employees on Berliner Ring since 2016. Together with the plant in Hallstadt, the region is the company's second-largest location with more than 2,000 employees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wirtschaftswoche |date=7 November 2019 |title=Bosch: Standortsicherung in Bamberg ausgehandelt |url=https://www.wiwo.de/unternehmen/industrie/bosch-standortsicherung-in-bamberg-ausgehandelt/25201910.html |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=www.wiwo.de |language=de}}</ref> | ||
Another important company is Wieland Electric in the field of electrical engineering. The company was founded in Bamberg in 1910 and is considered a pioneer in electrical connection technology and is still the world market leader for pluggable installation technology in the building sector. | Another important company is Wieland Electric in the field of electrical engineering. The company was founded in Bamberg in 1910 and is considered a pioneer in electrical connection technology and is still the world market leader for pluggable installation technology in the building sector.{{citation needed|date=November 2025}} | ||
Rudolf Zimmermann Bamberg (RZB), with over 800 employees worldwide, produces lights and lighting systems near the port of Bamberg.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wir machen Licht. Wir denken 360° {{!}} Made in Bamberg |url=https://www.rzb.de/de/unternehmen/ueber-rzb/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=RZB |language=de-de}}</ref> Over 70 companies are located on the 100 hectares of the port. In 2023, over 416,000 tons of goods were loaded at the port, especially foodstuffs and bulk goods. In addition, over 700 river cruise ships docked here.<ref>{{Cite web |last=m.ziegler |date=18 March 2024 |title=bayernhafen Bamberg sorgt für zuverlässige Versorgung mit Gütern und wird zukunftsfähig aufgestellt |url=https://www.bayernhafen.de/bayernhafen-bamberg-sorgt-fuer-zuverlaessige-versorgung-mit-guetern-und-wird-zukunftsfaehig-aufgestellt/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=bayernhafen |language=de-DE}}</ref> The Bamberg asphalt mixing plant<ref>{{Cite web |title=Niederlassung Nürnberg / Bamberg |url=https://www.bam-net.de/niederlassungen/niederlassung-nuernberg-bamberg/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=Bayerische Asphaltmischwerke |language=de}}</ref> and a Schwenk concrete plant are also located in the immediate vicinity. | Rudolf Zimmermann Bamberg (RZB), with over 800 employees worldwide, produces lights and lighting systems near the port of Bamberg.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wir machen Licht. Wir denken 360° {{!}} Made in Bamberg |url=https://www.rzb.de/de/unternehmen/ueber-rzb/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=RZB |language=de-de}}</ref> Over 70 companies are located on the 100 hectares of the port. In 2023, over 416,000 tons of goods were loaded at the port, especially foodstuffs and bulk goods. In addition, over 700 river cruise ships docked here.<ref>{{Cite web |last=m.ziegler |date=18 March 2024 |title=bayernhafen Bamberg sorgt für zuverlässige Versorgung mit Gütern und wird zukunftsfähig aufgestellt |url=https://www.bayernhafen.de/bayernhafen-bamberg-sorgt-fuer-zuverlaessige-versorgung-mit-guetern-und-wird-zukunftsfaehig-aufgestellt/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=bayernhafen |language=de-DE}}</ref> The Bamberg asphalt mixing plant<ref>{{Cite web |title=Niederlassung Nürnberg / Bamberg |url=https://www.bam-net.de/niederlassungen/niederlassung-nuernberg-bamberg/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=Bayerische Asphaltmischwerke |language=de}}</ref> and a Schwenk concrete plant are also located in the immediate vicinity.{{citation needed|date=November 2025}} | ||
Bamberg is also home to numerous small and medium-sized companies in other sectors. One special feature here is the centuries-old tradition of instrument making. Organ building, which is currently being continued by master craftsman Thomas Eichfelder, is particularly noteworthy, as is the construction of violins, clarinets and other woodwind instruments. | Bamberg is also home to numerous small and medium-sized companies in other sectors. One special feature here is the centuries-old tradition of instrument making. Organ building, which is currently being continued by master craftsman Thomas Eichfelder, is particularly noteworthy, as is the construction of violins, clarinets and other woodwind instruments.{{citation needed|date=November 2025}} | ||
=== Tourism and retail === | === Tourism and retail === | ||
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[[Image:AltenburgEingang.jpg|thumb|left|Bamberg [[Altenburg (Bamberg)|Altenburg]]]] | [[Image:AltenburgEingang.jpg|thumb|left|Bamberg [[Altenburg (Bamberg)|Altenburg]]]] | ||
The {{lang|de|[[Altenburg (Bamberg)|Altenburg]]}} is located on the highest of Bamberg's seven hills. It was mentioned for the first time in 1109.<ref>[http://www.roadstoruins.com/altenburg.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411093159/http://www.roadstoruins.com/altenburg.htm|date=11 April 2013}}</ref> Between 1251 and 1553 it was the residence of Bamberg's bishops. Destroyed in 1553 by [[Albert Alcibiades, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach]], it was used after scant repairs only as a prison, and increasingly fell into decay. | The {{lang|de|[[Altenburg (Bamberg)|Altenburg]]}} is located on the highest of Bamberg's seven hills. It was mentioned for the first time in 1109.<ref>[http://www.roadstoruins.com/altenburg.htm]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411093159/http://www.roadstoruins.com/altenburg.htm|date=11 April 2013}}.</ref> Between 1251 and 1553 it was the residence of Bamberg's bishops. Destroyed in 1553 by [[Albert Alcibiades, Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach]], it was used after scant repairs only as a prison, and increasingly fell into decay. | ||
In 1801, A. F. Marcus bought the castle and completely repaired it. His friend, the famous German writer [[E.T.A. Hoffmann]], who was very impressed by the building, lived there for a while. The next owner, Anton von Greifenstein, in 1818 founded an association to preserve the castle. This society still maintains the entire property today.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} The Altenburg today houses a restaurant.<ref>{{cite web |title=Restaurant Altenburg |url=https://www.restaurant-altenburg.de/ueberuns.cfm?site=geschichte&lang=en}}</ref> | In 1801, A. F. Marcus bought the castle and completely repaired it. His friend, the famous German writer [[E.T.A. Hoffmann]], who was very impressed by the building, lived there for a while. The next owner, Anton von Greifenstein, in 1818 founded an association to preserve the castle. This society still maintains the entire property today.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} The Altenburg today houses a restaurant.<ref>{{cite web |title=Restaurant Altenburg |url=https://www.restaurant-altenburg.de/ueberuns.cfm?site=geschichte&lang=en}}</ref> | ||
; Other sights: | ; Other sights: | ||
Other churches are the ''{{lang|de|Jakobskirche}}'', an 11th-century Romanesque [[basilica]]; the ''{{lang|de|St. Martinskirche}}''; the ''{{lang|de|Marienkirche}}'' or ''{{lang|de|Obere Pfarrkirche}}'' (1320–1387), which has now been restored to its original pure [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style. The ''{{lang|de|[[Michaelskirche, Bamberg|Michaelskirche]]}}'', 12th century Romanesque (restored), on the Michaelsberg, was formerly the church of the [[Rule of St. Benedict|Benedictine]] [[Michaelsberg Abbey, Bamberg|Michaelsberg Abbey]] secularized in 1803 and now contains the ''{{lang|de|Bürgerspital}}'', or [[almshouse]], and the museum and municipal art collections.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} | Other churches are the ''{{lang|de|Jakobskirche}}'', an 11th-century Romanesque [[basilica]]; the ''{{lang|de|St. Martinskirche}}''; the ''{{lang|de|Marienkirche}}'' or ''{{lang|de|Obere Pfarrkirche}}'' (1320–1387), which has now been restored to its original pure [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] style. The ''{{lang|de|[[Michaelskirche, Bamberg|Michaelskirche]]}}'', 12th century Romanesque (restored), on the Michaelsberg, was formerly the church of the [[Rule of St. Benedict|Benedictine]] [[Michaelsberg Abbey, Bamberg|Michaelsberg Abbey]] secularized in 1803 and now contains the ''{{lang|de|Bürgerspital}}'', or [[almshouse]], and the museum and municipal art collections.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Geschichte |url=https://www.buergerspitalstiftung.de/klosteranlage-michaelsberg/allgemeines/klosterkirche/geschichte-klosterkirche |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=www.buergerspitalstiftung.de |publisher=Bürgerspitalstiftung Bamberg |page=https://www.buergerspitalstiftung.de/klosteranlage-michaelsberg/allgemeines/klosterkirche/geschichte-klosterkirche |language=de-DE}}</ref> | ||
Of the bridges connecting the sections of the lower town the ''{{lang|de|Obere Brücke}}'' was completed in 1455. Halfway across this, on an island, is the ''{{lang|de|Rathaus}}'' or town hall (rebuilt 1744–1756). The lyceum, formerly a [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]] college, contains a natural history museum. The old palace (''{{lang|de|Alte Hofhaltung}}'') was built in 1591 on the site of an old residence of the counts of [[Babenberg]]. Monuments include the Maximilian fountain (1880), with statues of [[Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria|King Maximilian I of Bavaria]], the emperor Henry II and his wife, [[Conrad III of Germany|Conrad III]] and [[Otto of Bamberg|Saint Otto]], bishop of Bamberg.<ref name="EB1911"/> | Of the bridges connecting the sections of the lower town the ''{{lang|de|Obere Brücke}}'' was completed in 1455. Halfway across this, on an island, is the ''{{lang|de|Rathaus}}'' or town hall (rebuilt 1744–1756). The lyceum, formerly a [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit]] college, contains a natural history museum. The old palace (''{{lang|de|Alte Hofhaltung}}'') was built in 1591 on the site of an old residence of the counts of [[Babenberg]]. Monuments include the Maximilian fountain (1880), with statues of [[Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria|King Maximilian I of Bavaria]], the emperor Henry II and his wife, [[Conrad III of Germany|Conrad III]] and [[Otto of Bamberg|Saint Otto]], bishop of Bamberg.<ref name="EB1911"/> | ||
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====Water transport==== | ====Water transport==== | ||
[[File:Bamberg-Liebherr-crane-4295172.jpg|thumb|Cranes in Bamberg harbor]] | [[File:Bamberg-Liebherr-crane-4295172.jpg|thumb|Cranes in Bamberg harbor]] | ||
Both the [[Rhine-Main-Danube Canal]] and its predecessor, the [[Ludwig Canal]], begin near Bamberg.<ref>{{cite web |title=Main-Danube Canal |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Main-Danube-Canal}}</ref> The Ludwig Canal was opened in 1846 but closed in 1950 after damage during the [[World War II|second world war]]. With the completion of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal in 1992, uninterrupted water transport was again made possible between the [[North Sea]] and the [[Black Sea]]. | Both the [[Rhine-Main-Danube Canal]] and its predecessor, the [[Ludwig Canal]], begin near Bamberg.<ref>{{cite web |title=Main-Danube Canal |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Main-Danube-Canal}}</ref> The Ludwig Canal was opened in 1846 but closed in 1950 after damage during the [[World War II|second world war]]. With the completion of the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal in 1992, uninterrupted water transport was again made possible between the [[North Sea]] and the [[Black Sea]].{{citation needed|date=November 2025}} | ||
====Local public transport==== | ====Local public transport==== | ||
Local public transport within Bamberg relies exclusively on buses. More than 20 routes connect the outlying quarters and some villages in the vicinity to the central bus station. In addition, there are several "Night Lines" (the last of these, though, tend to run around midnight) and some [[park-and-ride]] lines from parking lots on the periphery to the town centre. | Local public transport within Bamberg relies exclusively on buses. More than 20 routes connect the outlying quarters and some villages in the vicinity to the central bus station.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-23 |title=Bus fahren in Stadt und Landkreis Bamberg |url=https://www.stadtwerke-bamberg.de/mobilitaet/busfahren |access-date=2026-05-02 |website=www.stadtwerke-bamberg.de |language=de}}</ref> In addition, there are several "Night Lines" (the last of these, though, tend to run around midnight) and some [[park-and-ride]] lines from parking lots on the periphery to the town centre.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Park und Ride Bamberg |url=https://www.stadtwerke-bamberg.de/mobilitaet/parken/park-and-ride |access-date=2026-05-02 |website=www.stadtwerke-bamberg.de |language=de}}</ref> | ||
A | A tram system operated from 1897 until 1922.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-18 |title=Die Straßenbahn kommt |url=https://www.infranken.de/lk/bamberg/die-strassenbahn-kommt-art-2967951 |access-date=2026-05-02 |website=inFranken.de |language=de}}</ref> | ||
===Military bases=== | ===Military bases=== | ||
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==Governance== | ==Governance== | ||
Bamberg is an urban district, or ''kreisfreie Stadt''. Its town council (''Stadtrat'') and its mayor (''Oberbürgermeister'') are elected every six years, though not in the same year. Thus, the last municipal election for the town council was in 2014, for the mayor in 2012. As an exception to the six-year term, the term starting in 2012 will take eight years to synchronize the elections with those in the rest of Bavaria.{{ | Bamberg is an urban district, or ''kreisfreie Stadt''. Its town council (''Stadtrat'') and its mayor (''Oberbürgermeister'') are elected every six years, though not in the same year. Thus, the last municipal election for the town council was in 2014, for the mayor in 2012. As an exception to the six-year term, the term starting in 2012 will take eight years to synchronize the elections with those in the rest of Bavaria.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bamberg |first=Stadt |title=Oberbürgermeister Andreas Starke |url=https://www.stadt.bamberg.de/B%C3%BCrgerservice/Oberb%C3%BCrgermeister |access-date=2026-03-20 |website=Stadt Bamberg |language=de}}</ref> | ||
As of the elections of | As of the elections of 15 March 2020, the 44 member strong town council comprises 11 [[Christian Social Union of Bavaria|CSU]] councillors, 11 [[Alliance '90/The Greens|Green]] councillors, 6 [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|SPD]] councillors, 3 councillors of the ''Bamberger Bürger-Block'' and 3 of the BuB-Stadtratsfraktion, both local political movements. These five parties achieved the number of councillors necessary to form a [[parliamentary group]]. In addition, there are 2 councillors of the ''Bamberger Unabhängige Bürger,'' 2 councillors of the AfD and the BaLi and two committee groups – the FW-FDP and the VOLT-öpd, each consisting of two members.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bamberg |first=Stadt |title=Stadtrat und Gremien |url=https://www.stadt.bamberg.de/B%C3%BCrgerservice/Stadtrat-und-Gremien |access-date=2026-03-20 |website=Stadt Bamberg |language=de}}</ref> | ||
The previous council, elected on 2 March 2008, was composed of 15 [[Christian Social Union of Bavaria|CSU]] councillors, 10 [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|SPD]] councillors, 7 [[Alliance '90/The Greens|Green]] councillors, 5 councillors of the Bamberger Bürger-Block and 3 of the Freie Wähler (Free Voters), both local political movements. These five parties achieved the number of councillors necessary to form a [[parliamentary group]]. In addition, there were 2 councillors of the ''Bamberger Realisten'' and one of the [[Free Democratic Party (Germany)|FDP]] and the [[Republicans (Germany)|Republikaner]], making them ineligible for caucus status.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} | The previous council, elected on 2 March 2008, was composed of 15 [[Christian Social Union of Bavaria|CSU]] councillors, 10 [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|SPD]] councillors, 7 [[Alliance '90/The Greens|Green]] councillors, 5 councillors of the Bamberger Bürger-Block and 3 of the Freie Wähler (Free Voters), both local political movements. These five parties achieved the number of councillors necessary to form a [[parliamentary group]]. In addition, there were 2 councillors of the ''Bamberger Realisten'' and one of the [[Free Democratic Party (Germany)|FDP]] and the [[Republicans (Germany)|Republikaner]], making them ineligible for caucus status.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} | ||
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Bamberg is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Partnerstädte |url=https://www.stadt.bamberg.de/Unsere-Stadt/Partnerst%C3%A4dte |website=stadt.bamberg.de |publisher=Bamberg |language=de |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> | Bamberg is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Partnerstädte |url=https://www.stadt.bamberg.de/Unsere-Stadt/Partnerst%C3%A4dte |website=stadt.bamberg.de |publisher=Bamberg |language=de |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> | ||
{{div col|colwidth=20em}} | {{div col|colwidth=20em}} | ||
*{{flagicon| | *{{flagicon|UK}} [[Bedford]], England, United Kingdom | ||
*{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Esztergom]], Hungary | *{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Esztergom]], Hungary | ||
*{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Feldkirchen in Kärnten]], Austria | *{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Feldkirchen in Kärnten]], Austria | ||
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==People== | ==People== | ||
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2025}} | |||
[[File:Louis-Alexandre Berthier.png|thumb|130px|Louis-Alexandre Berthier, 1808]] | [[File:Louis-Alexandre Berthier.png|thumb|130px|Louis-Alexandre Berthier, 1808]] | ||
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* [[Günter Faltin]] (born 1944), university teacher | * [[Günter Faltin]] (born 1944), university teacher | ||
* [[Heinrich Finck]] (1444–1527), conductor and composer | * [[Heinrich Finck]] (1444–1527), conductor and composer | ||
* [[Klaus-Dieter Fritsche]] (born 1953), jurist and politician (CSU) | * [[Klaus-Dieter Fritsche]] (born 1953), jurist and politician (CSU) | ||
* [[Karl von Gareis]] (1844–1923), a lawyer and author, member of the Reichstag | * [[Karl von Gareis]] (1844–1923), a lawyer and author, member of the Reichstag | ||
* [[Nora-Eugenie Gomringer]] (born 1980), poet and writer | * [[Nora-Eugenie Gomringer]] (born 1980), poet and writer | ||
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* [[Lukas Görtler]] (born 1994), football player | * [[Lukas Görtler]] (born 1994), football player | ||
* [[Hans Grassmann]] (born 1960), physicist and author | * [[Hans Grassmann]] (born 1960), physicist and author | ||
* [[Georg Haan]] (died 1628), prominent victim of the [[Bamberg witch trials]] | |||
* [[:de:Joseph Heller (Heimatforscher)|Joseph Heller]] (1798–1849), collector, today Helleriana in Bamberg State Library | * [[:de:Joseph Heller (Heimatforscher)|Joseph Heller]] (1798–1849), collector, today Helleriana in Bamberg State Library | ||
* [[Karl Höller]] (1907–1987), composer | * [[Karl Höller]] (1907–1987), composer | ||
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* [[:de:Christopher Park|Christopher Park]] (born 1987), pianist | * [[:de:Christopher Park|Christopher Park]] (born 1987), pianist | ||
* [[Bernd Redmann]] (born 1965), composer and musicologist | * [[Bernd Redmann]] (born 1965), composer and musicologist | ||
* [[Lily Reiff]] (1866-1958), composer and pianist | |||
* [[Mike Rose (painter)|Mike Rose]] (1932–2006), painter, set designer and writer | * [[Mike Rose (painter)|Mike Rose]] (1932–2006), painter, set designer and writer | ||
* [[Gerd Schaller]] (born 1965), conductor | * [[Gerd Schaller]] (born 1965), conductor | ||
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{{Commons}} | {{Commons}} | ||
* [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/624 Town of Bamberg: UNESCO | * [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/624 Town of Bamberg: UNESCO official website] | ||
* {{Official website}} {{in lang|de}} | * {{Official website}} {{in lang|de}} | ||
* [https://welterbe.bamberg.de/en/ Bamberg World Heritage Office] | * [https://welterbe.bamberg.de/en/ Bamberg World Heritage Office] | ||