Bamberg, Bavaria, Germany — Central Europe

Upper Bridge and City Hall on the Bridge

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 25, 2019

1. Upper Bridge and City Hall on the Bridge Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Die Obere Brücke (1)
ist eine der ältesten steinernen Gewölbebrücken seit der Antike. Sie wurde im 12. Jh. erbaut und durch einen Turm (2) geschützt. In ihm hing die Sturmglocke, das Frühwarnsystem der Stadt. Nach einem schlimmen Hochwasser errichtete der Stadtbaumeister Hans Vorchheimer 1456 die jetzige Brücke.

Das Brückenrathaus (3)
liegt, städtebaulich einmalig, auf einer Insel mitten im Fluss. Es war das Zentrum der mittelalterlichen Bürgerstadt und die Verbindung der Altstadt im Sand mit der Neustadt um den Grünen Markt. Der Fachwerkbau von 1467 bekam in der Barockzeit ein neues Kleid: um 1750 wurde der Turm erhöht und mit Balkonen verziert; die Wände bemalte Johann Anwander mit Allegorien von Tugenden. Im Innern sind der prächtig stuckierte Rokokosaal und die Porzellansammlung Ludwig sehenswert.

Das Rottmeisterhäuschen (4) zeigt das alte farbige Fachwerk. Dort war einst die Stadtwache ("Rotte") untergebracht.

(English translation:)

The Upper Bridge is one of the oldest vaulted stone bridges from the past. It was built in the

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12th century and protected by a tower (2) in which was hung a storm bell, providing an early warning system for the city. After a bad flood, in 1456 the town architect Hans Vorchheimer had the present bridge built.

The Bridge Town Hall (3) is located on an island in the middle of the river, making it unique in the realm of urban planning. It was the center of the medieval town and served to connect the old town with the new town that had grown around the green market. The half-timbered building dating from 1467 was given a new dress during the Baroque period: around 1750 the tower was raised and decorated with balconies; the walls were painted by Johann Anwander with allegories of the virtues. Inside, the magnificently stuccoed Rococo hall and the Ludwig porcelain collection are worth seeing.

The "Master of the Watch House" (4) displays the old half-timbered framework, where the Town Guard ("Rotte") was once housed.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1456.

Location. 49° 53.463′ N, 10° 53.239′ E. Marker is in Bamberg, Bayern (Bavaria). Marker is on Geyerswörthsteg. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bamberg BY 96047, Germany. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Claus Graf Stauffenberg (within shouting distance of this marker); Altes Rathaus / Old City Hall

Upper Bridge and City Hall on the Bridge Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, September 25, 2019

2. Upper Bridge and City Hall on the Bridge Marker - wide view

(within shouting distance of this marker); Franziskanerkirch / Franciscan Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Bamberg's World War II Fallen and Missing (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Kaiserin Kunigund / Empress Kunigund (about 90 meters away); Joseph Heller (about 90 meters away); Haus zum Wilden Mann (about 150 meters away); Am Kranen / At the Cranes (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bamberg.

Also see . . . Altes Rathaus (Bamberg) (Wikipedia, in German). (Submitted on November 27, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.)

<i>Altes Rathaus in Bamberg</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Klaus Bärwinkel (via Wikimedia Commons, under CC 4.0 license), June 3, 2018

3. Altes Rathaus in Bamberg

Showing the City Hall (with Master of the Watch house) and the Upper Bridge (that runs through the city hall). This photo was taken from the same footbridge as seen with the marker in Photo 2.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 221 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 27, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.