Bamberg - Alte Hofhaltung

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg.

The first cathedral in Bamberg, named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen in the background started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien.

The place on the hill had been fortified already way before the first cathedral was built. Heinrich III had a palace here since 1003, that was transferred into the episcopal residence later. Here German King Philipp von Schwaben ("Philip of Swabia"), Barbarossa´s youngest son, was stabbed by Otto VIII of Wittelsbach on June 21. 1208. Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien became suspect in this assasination, as Otto of Wittelsbach was his cousin. He had to flee Bamberg.

The half timbered buildings of the "Alte Hofhaltung" ("Old Court"), remaining parts of the episcopal palace, seen here, are a bit younger and date back to 1475.