Martinskirche (St. Martin's Church), Bamberg

Saint Martin's Church has a rich history rooted in its origins as a Carmelite monastery established in 1248. In 1589, the diocese of Bamberg made the decision to relocate the monks from the deteriorating monastery buildings to the vacant Cistian monastery of Saint Mary and Theodore on the opposite bank of the Regnitz River. This move opened up space for the Jesuit order, who took over the site with the commitment to construct a grand new church.

The construction of Saint Martin's Church commenced in 1686 under the supervision of Georg Dinzenhofer, an architect from Prague. After Georg's passing, his brother Leonard took over the project. The church was designed in the Baroque style, incorporating elements reminiscent of Rome's renowned church, Jesus Christ. The construction was completed by 1696, and the church was consecrated in accordance with Jesuit tradition, also bearing the name of Jesus Christ. Three years later, the bell tower was added to the structure.

In the early 19th century, during the secularization period, Saint Martin's Church underwent a significant change in ownership. In 1806, the church was transferred from the order to the city, transforming it into a parish church and renaming it St. Martin.

Saint Martin's Church stands as an architectural marvel, exemplifying the Baroque style with its ornate features and grandeur. It holds the legacy of the Jesuit order and continues to serve as a place of worship for the local community. The church's transformation from a monastery to a parish church reflects the historical shifts in religious ownership and practices over the centuries.