Martinskirche (Saint Martin's Church), Bamberg

Saint Martin’s Church was constructed between 1686 and 1693 by the Jesuits, who sought to establish a strong presence in Bamberg during the Catholic Revival, as an alternative to the Protestant reformations at the time. The main inspiration for the church's design was Rome's renowned church, Jesus Christ. For over a century it also bore the name of Jesus Christ.

Architecturally, Saint Martin’s Church stands out from the predominantly medieval urban landscape. Its elegant Baroque façade features sculpted figures, spirals, and a distinctive curved gable that adds grandeur to the heart of modern Bamberg. Inside, the church reveals a richly decorated single-nave interior with ornate plaster, expressive altarpieces, and carefully balanced spatial harmony.

Among its highlights is the main altar, adorned with vibrant artwork illustrating the life and martyrdom of Saint Martin of Tours, the church’s patron saint known for his charitable spirit. Visitors may also notice commemorative inscriptions and memorials that trace the building’s transformation after the Jesuit order was dissolved in the 18th century. In 1803, with Bamberg’s ecclesiastical reorganization, Saint Martin became the city’s official parish church, a role it continues to hold.

Situated directly along Bamberg’s main shopping street, Saint Martin’s remains an active spiritual center while offering a peaceful refuge from the surrounding bustle.