Bamberg was built by Henry II as a holy city on seven hills,
like Rome, to attract Cunigunde , a nun, to leave the nunnery and become his
wife and queen. She became the first female saint, but only after her trial of
walking on coals without pain, because she bore no children, which in medieval
times was grounds for suspicion of adultery. The town is a UNESCO world
heritage sight.
Little Venice |
We started our tour along the river that was part of the Ludwig
canal. It is called little venice where the poor fishermen lived and the houses
are still timber houses. Nearby the buildings become baroque a style promoting
health and wealth. For example, the baroque crucifixion Jesus is looking up to
heaven and inspiring hope. Because of the reformation the church went from
using fear as a motivator to hope of salvation. The town hall was a partly
timbered building, but painted in baroque style. The painter is portrayed at
the bottom with his leg sticking out.
Town Hall with leg |
The Dom of Bamberg was started in the 11th
century as a Romanesque church but the towers are Gothic. Inside are buried Henry
and Cunigunde. The last judgement scene has Romulus and Remus rising from the
grave. Next to it is a devil pulling a Jew into hell. We then saw the Old
Residence and New Residence of the bishop with it’s beautiful rose garden.
New Residence with Rose Garden |
We
finished our morning with the local beer, which uses burnt hops. The result of
the old monastery having a fire, but making beer anyway. Now it forms the basis
of the local brew. Our walk back to the ship was tough in the 97 degree heat.
Drinking the local brew |
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