The iconic Bamberg landmark. The Old Town Hall in Bamberg is one of the most important buildings that characterize the historic city center. It is located between the mountain and island town in the left Regnitz arm. This location "... marks the old rule border between the episcopal mountain town and the bourgeois island town and clearly shows the power striving of the Bamberg bourgeoisie." You see, the bishop of Bamberg did not want to give any of his land to the citizens for the construction of a town hall. Therefore, the crafty citizens struck stakes in the Regnitz and thus created an artificial island on which they built their town hall. The Regnitz marks the old rule border between the episcopal mountain and the bourgeois island town. The town hall was mentioned for the first time in 1387 and was rebuilt between 1461 and 1467, so that it took on the shape it is today. At this stage of construction, it was mainly influenced by the Gothic. Johann Jakob Michael Küchel redesigned the town hall between 1744 and 1756 in the Baroque and Rococo styles. Worth mentioning are the façade paintings originally created by Johann Anwander in 1755, which have been restored many times. After not much of these paintings could be seen in the 1950s, the painter Anton Greiner repainted between 1959 and 1962. Both sides of the building are completely decorated with simulated allegorical scenes and architectural details, the typical illusion painting of this time. Small, actually figurative elements on the eastern side reinforce the spatial impression. The Rococo balconies and coat of arms reliefs come from Jos. Bonaventure Mutschele. The half-timbered house attached to the bridge tower, the Rottmeister's house, served as accommodation for the leaders of the guards. You cannot miss this structure when/if you are in Bamberg. It's a must-visit place along with Bamberger Dom and Neue Residenz. read more

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Mitten über dem linken Arm der Regnitz thront das opulente "Alte Rathaus" Bambergs. Das von der Gotik beeinflusste Gebäude entstand zwischen 1461 und 1467 und wurde im 18. Jahrhundert im Barockstil umgestaltet. Die schönen Malereien auf der Fassade stammen ursprünglich von Johann Anwander, mussten aber 1959-62 von Anton Greiner komplett neu gestaltet werden, weil die Originale verblichen waren. Auch die Neubemalung verblasst langsam. Die Brücke führt direkt durch das Rathaus, man gelangt hier in die eigentliche Altstadt. Architektonisch bemerkenswert ist das "Rottmeisterhäuschen", ein Fachwerkanbau auf der Seite, der fast so wirkt, als strecke das Rathaus seinen Hintern in Richtung Fluss aus. Es war ursprünglich ein Anbau für die Wachsoldaten. Dass Rathaus beherbergt ein wichtiges Museum, die Sammlung Ludwig: Es war die größte private Porzellansammlung in ganz Europa und wurde von den Erben der Stadt Bamberg hinterlassen. read more

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This building, Altes Rathaus (The Old Town Hall), and the bridge tunneled through the building holds my favorite memories of my time spent in Germany. Actually, some of the best moments of my entire life. I spent the majority of my time in Europe in Bamberg, Germany with friends and on either side of the bridge are so many pubs. The building itself is hundreds of years old and is breathtakingly beautiful. I can't count the number of times we walked the bridge through Altes Rathaus heading from pub to pub. It snowed every day I was there and the bridge was constantly iced over. I very distinctly recall slipping on the ice one night as we were heading to another pub and one of my friends caught me before I went down. Considering how drunk I already was (boy is beer and liquor stronger in Germany), I'm not sure how I remember it so clearly! LOL I also spent New Year's Eve on this bridge by Altes Rathaus. It's one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen in my life. Just before midnight, everyone rushed out of the pubs into the streets and onto the bridge and before I knew it people were shooting fireworks off everywhere I turned and people were even shooting pistols into the air. Had I not been so plastered, the pistol shooting might have actually scared me! LOL The night was so beautiful and clear (and cold) which seemed to make the fireworks even more brilliant and I recall them glistening off the water. Never in my life have I see so many happy people ringing in a New Year! The Germans really know how to throw a party! No one is a stranger there; such amazing people!! It's the heart and soul of Bamberg, in my humble opinion, and I can't wait to one day return to Altes Rathaus and stand on that bridge again. Those are the moments in life we live for :) read more

Altes Rathaus - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Bamberg, BY

Built originally in the year 1467, Bamberg's Rathaus lies in the middle of the Regnitz river near the confluence of the Main. As the story is told the Bishop denied the citizens of Bamberg land for their town hall so they drove stakes in the middle of the river and constructed an island. On that island they built their Rathaus. Their is a bridge (Ober and Unter Brucke) which connects the Rathaus to the banks of the river. On the one side is the hillside Episcopal City while on the other is the bourgeois island city. Today pubs dominate on either side side offering Bamberg's famous smoked beer. The half timbered side is the oldest portion of the Rathaus and dates to the 15th century while the other side is 18th century Baroque architecture designs by Balthasar Neumann. Johann Jakob Michael Kuchel (1756) added Baroque and Rococo touches in particular the Rococo Hall. The exterior Trompe d'oleil is eye catching. The murals were painted in 1755 by Johann Anwar when he was forty years old. He died in 1770. The leg of a cherub can be noticed protruding out of the wall as a sculpture. Another architectural feature is the German fachwerk, an architectural design which makes the building jut out over the water. Housed in the Rathaus is the Sammlung Ludwig Museum of precious porcelains mostly from Strausbourg and Meisen. Figurines, fragrance dispensers and dinner services are displayed. They are elegant and ornate and true works of art. The Rococco Hall is also a magnificient artistic achievement. The cost is 4.50 Euro/ reduced 4 Euros. Six and under are free. Operating hours are Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 to 4:00. Alternating exhibitions are on the lower floor. The second floor is occupied by the city council chamber. read more

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This is quite possibly the most stereotypically Bamberg thing in Bamberg. Any google search of the city will bring up this bridge and building, and for good reason! This is probably the most beautiful place in Bamberg, surrounded by ancient buildings and gorgeous scenery. It seems straight out of a fairy tale! My only complaint is the crowds, but in such an area that cannot be avoided. read more

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You cannot visit Bamberg and not see this amazing building! Not only is it a feat of architecture in and of itself, it is set in a beautiful surrounding. It is very impressive in person, when you see the height of it and with the river and flowers and all. Make sure you take the effort to walk several bridges to get great views from all sides. Take the time to find the leg sticking out of the mural too! read more

Insanely gorgeous spot in Bamburg. If you are debating about whether or not to make a stop in this small town - you must stay here for at least one day/night. There is so much to see. So much beauty and history. We loved walking around and taking pictures of the architecture. Lots of great spots for a brew and bite, too! read more

Such beautiful architecture, as it was one of the few cities that didn't get completely destroyed during WWII. We walked around late at night (around 10/11 pm) and it was an extremely safe area. read more