Neue Residenz Bamberg

Dominating Cathedral Square in the historic center of Bamberg, the majestic New Residence (Neue Residenz) stands as one of the most prominent palace complexes Germany takes pride in. This four-wing complex, blending Renaissance austerity with Baroque splendor, served for centuries as the official home of the powerful Prince-Bishops of Bamberg.

Today, the palace is open to travelers as a multi-faceted cultural center. Within its walls lies a rich art gallery featuring masterpieces of German painting, including works by Lucas Cranach the Elder. The east wing is home to the Bamberg State Library, which houses priceless manuscripts, making the site a true treasury of knowledge and art.

The famous Rose Garden in the inner courtyard creates a special atmosphere. Its terraces offer breathtaking panoramic views of the old town's tiled roofs and the Michelsberg Monastery. It is a place where architectural grandeur harmonizes with natural elegance, turning a simple stroll into a journey through time.

To clarify information regarding special events or admission fees, you can contact the complex administration using the details below.

When visiting Bamberg, be sure to take time to explore the residence's interiors in detail. Here, you can walk through more than 40 rooms that have preserved their authentic 17th and 18th-century furnishings. The palace's crowning jewel is the Imperial Hall, where ceiling frescoes by Melchior Steidl create a stunning illusion of depth and infinite space. While admiring the portraits of emperors and antique furniture, it's easy to imagine the lavish receptions held here hundreds of years ago.

Art lovers should linger in the art gallery to enjoy the collection of Old Masters. A visit to the east wing is equally impressive, where rare folios are kept in the quiet of the State Library. Pay special attention to the decorative details: stucco work, massive tapestries, and unique curtains from the Beauvais manufactory, all preserved in excellent condition.

After touring the halls, be sure to head to the Rose Garden. Here, among thousands of fragrant roses and classical sculptures by Ferdinand Tietz, you can find peace and solitude. In the historic garden pavilion designed by Balthasar Neumann, there is now a cozy café. It’s the perfect spot to order a cup of coffee with a traditional German dessert and enjoy the city panorama from the terrace.

Finding this architectural masterpiece is easy, as it is located in the heart of the historic center of Bamberg on the famous Cathedral Square (Domplatz 8). If you arrive at the Bamberg Hauptbahnhof main station, a pleasant walk to the palace takes about 15–20 minutes. The route follows the picturesque Ludwigstraße, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient city along the way.

For those who prefer public transport, bus lines 1 or 20 are ideal, taking you directly to the "Domplatz" stop. This is a convenient option if you want to save your energy for exploring the residence's many halls. Taxis from central parts of the city will also quickly bring you to the foot of Cathedral Hill.

Travelers arriving by car should note that the Residence is in a pedestrian zone. It is recommended to leave your car in parking lots near the New Town Hall or on Unterer Kaulberg Street, from where the square is a 5–10 minute walk away. The city's compactness makes it an ideal place for walking routes that combine the region's main landmarks into a single tour.

The history of this grand complex began in 1605 at the initiative of Archbishop Johann Philipp von Gebsattel. Initially, two wings were built in the Renaissance style under the direction of Master Jacob Wolff the Elder. However, due to various historical circumstances, construction was frozen for nearly a century before the palace acquired its current appearance.

The second stage of construction, which began in 1697, is associated with Archbishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn. He commissioned the completion of the complex in the opulent Baroque style to the famous architect Johann Leonhard Dientzenhofer. It was then that the New Residence became a symbol of the power and passion for building of the Prince-Bishops, who used it as their primary headquarters until the early 19th century.

Notably, the palace was built as a modern alternative to the neighboring Old Court, which by the 17th century no longer met the bishops' requirements. The finest artists of the time participated in the interior design, such as Melchior Steidl, who created the masterpiece frescoes in the Imperial Hall, which became a benchmark for illusionistic painting of that period.

In the 18th century, the ensemble was complemented by a magnificent rose garden, with pavilions designed by the legendary architect Balthasar Neumann and sculptural work entrusted to master Ferdinand Tietz. Today, the complex is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and carefully preserves the memory of the centuries of rule by the spiritual princes.

To leisurely explore all the splendor of this site, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This will be enough time to walk through the suite of 40 state rooms, examine the art gallery exhibits in detail, and look into the unique collections of the State Library.

If you plan to visit the Rose Garden, relax in the garden gazebo with a view of the city, or take artistic photos against the backdrop of Baroque architecture, it is worth allowing an extra half hour. In the summer, when the garden is in full bloom, time flies by, and many tourists prefer to spend an entire morning or afternoon here.

The New Residence warmly welcomes visitors daily, including weekends. The doors of the palace complex and its famous rose garden are open for viewing from morning until evening.

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00

The residence's location on Cathedral Hill makes it an ideal starting point for exploring other historical treasures. A walk through the surrounding area will allow you to immerse yourself deeper into the atmosphere of medieval and Baroque Bavaria, as key landmarks are concentrated just steps away.