It would be easy to become overwhelmed by the number of stops, ports, cathedrals and town squares on this journey. Each stop is unique for reasons of location, history and beauty. Bamburg is no exception. Located on the old Regnitz Island and stretching across seven hills, Bamberg owes its appearance to a bishop's love of pomp and splendour and to the fact that it suffered very little damage during World War II. It is truly a beautiful city and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lists over 2,000 buildings as historical monuments, and it's old city center is Europe's largest existing group of historic buildings...it is also famous for having over 30 local breweries, proudly producing a smoky-tasting beer!
The present day cathedral was built in the 13th century. Cathedral Hill is truly a must see site while wandering this city. I found the climbing quite exhausting... A climb which definitely required the reward of an ale in the Gruner Markt (Green Market...for vegetables). All around this city are large agricultural lands, with rich soils for market gardeners, whose cultivable land provides quality goods for the market. Learning the terms medieval and baroque is important in learning about this largest intact old town in Germany. Today it is a vibrant city with approximately 70,000 inhabitants, a university and numerous schools. Our guide today was a student from the University of Bamberg, knowledgable beyond her years, working as a guide as she prepared to become a teacher. Sites seen today included The Cathedral of St. Peter and St. George, with its four towers, The Chancery and, "Beautiful Gate", The Residence of the Prince Bishop, the Rose Garden
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