Bamberg

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 11^th 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