Bamberg

In 1007, Emperor Heinrich II made Bamberg the center of the Hoy Roman Empire and the capital of his reign. He wanted the city to become a second Rome, and like Rome, Bamberg was built on seven hills, each with a church on top.

He ordered the building of a new cathedral which was consecrated in 1012, and still remains the architectural and spiritual heart of the city.

Bamberg's prosperity has always been linked to the river. In the Middle Ages it was the starting point for shipping on the Main Rover and is now the starting point of the Main-Dabube Canal. It is one of the few cities I. Germany not destroyed by World War II bombing. It is the largest Old Town to retain it's medieval structures. Oh, and it is another Unesco World Heritage site since 1993.

So thank you Viking River Cruises for this lovely history of Bamberg.

The view of the city from the town hall

The next three photos are of the town hall. Note the fresco on the side. The artist didn't stop with the fresco but proceeded to make a couple of the figures partly 3D. Count five windows from the left and notice the lower part of the the images and also at the upper level.

Bamberg had a Jewish population, as most towns did, and they were mainly responsible for lending money. At Krystalnacht (the rounding up of the Jews by Hitler), 800 were taken from Bamberg and only 4 returned from the camps. The photo below is of one of the Main Street in the Jewish section. It translate to Jew Street. It has been very interesting that in the last two cities we've visited, there have been some references to Hitler and the Nazis. There is no advertising about is part of their history, but there is no denying it. Most are willing to discuss this era with the thought that hopefully discussion and awareness will prevent this from happening again.

This is a door handle

These blocks are in the sidewalks and they are for folks that have died during the wars - a remembrance

This old castle has been renovated and is now a nursing home. Bet they don't get out much to walk

Bamberg is famous for smoked beer - rauchbier. It's almost like drinking bacon. The brewery below has been producing smoked beer for nearly 200 years. It was great!

 

This building was the slaughter house and the remains after the killing were dumped directly into the river in the medieval days. Lovely thought isn't it?

This was the slaughter house in medieval times and the stuff left over from the slaughter used to be dumped directly into the river. Lovely thought isn't it?

So one more day to catch up with and then I'll try to stay current again - internet connection willing.

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