Alte Hofhaltung Castle Bamberg

The Alte Hofhaltung is a historic building complex in Bamberg. It consists of former residential and economic buildings of the episcopal court, which were erected from the 15th century onwards on the site of Emperor Henry II's imperial palace.

The previous construction of the Alte Hofhaltung was the Castrum Babenberg, the former imperial palace of Emperor Henry II, and probably also included the bishop's residence since the diocese's foundation in 1007. After the buildings on the Domberg were completed, the Alte Hofhaltung, which in its core still contains remnants of the palace and chapel from the 11th century, stood between the cathedral to the south and the New Residence to the north. After the prince-bishop moved to a new palace, the buildings were used as a chancellery, library, and council chamber. Today, it houses the Historical Museum of the city and the cathedral workshop (Dombauhütte) in the Henneberg wing. In summer, the Calderon Festival takes place in the inner courtyard.

After the death of Adalbert von Babenberg from the House of Poppo, his feudal estates became crown property and remained there until 973. In that year, they came as a fief to Duke Henry the Quarrelsome.

During its time as crown property, the Castrum was also used as a state prison. Here, the deposed King of Italy and Margrave of Ivrea, Berengar II, and his wife were imprisoned.

As a written tradition from the time of Emperor Henry II, the consecration inscription of St. Thomas Chapel has been preserved. It states that in 1020, Pope Benedict VIII consecrated this chapel in honor of Mary and St. Thomas.

Also from the 11th century was the now non-existent St. Andrew's Chapel. According to legend, Empress Kunigunde subjected herself to the ordeal of God by walking over glowing plowshares at this spot. For the results of the excavations, see Domberg (Bamberg).

It was not until the 16th century that Henry II's palace was demolished, although some window arches inside the Renaissance wing have been preserved to this day.

15th Century

Under Prince-Bishop Philipp von Henneberg (1475-1487), the southeastern and eastern wings were built. The Henneberg coat of arms is located above the rear entrance gate. The painted eaves boards under the gutters are noteworthy.

During the reign of his successor, Prince-Bishop Heinrich III. Groß von Trockau (1487-1501), a fire destroyed the kitchen wing of the court. As a result, this part of the building was rebuilt during Heinrich III's reign. One of the most beautiful preserved coats of arms in Bamberg is located above the entrance gate on the north side.

16th Century

During the reign of Prince-Bishop Veit II von Würzburg (1561-1577), parts of the palace from the time of Emperor Henry II were demolished or integrated into the Renaissance wing. The building was erected in its current form from 1570 under the direction of Erasmus Braun. Erasmus Braun immortalized himself below the oriel. The facade of the Renaissance building was originally painted in color. Coats of arms of noble families were carved into this oriel below the windows.

As a representative entrance, sculptor Pankraz Wagner created the "Schöne Pforte" (Beautiful Gate) in 1573. The relief of Mary is flanked by Henry and Kunigunde, who hold a cathedral model behind the Mother of God. This cathedral model shows the cathedral in detail as it looked until 1764. Further out, to the left is Saint Peter and to the right Saint George, and next to them two bishops, namely Saint Otto and probably Kilian, the Apostle of the Franks, are depicted. The reclining figures on both sides symbolize the Main and Regnitz, the two rivers of the city. Crowning this entrance portal, inserted between the Renaissance wing and the "Hohe Warte," is the Würzburg coat of arms.

18th Century

The Hofhaltung underwent a massive change in 1777 with the demolition of the buildings dividing the courtyard, especially the nave of St. Thomas Chapel, the partial demolition of the Hohe Warte, and the demolition of the octagonal St. Andrew's Chapel at the beginning of Domgasse. Today, one enters Domgasse through the former interior of the demolished St. Andrew's Chapel.