New Residence and Rose Garden, Bamberg (must see)

The New Residence stands prominently on Cathedral Hill, reflecting the wealth and authority of Bamberg’s prince-bishops during the Baroque era. Construction began in the early 17th century under Prince-Bishop von Gebsattel, with later expansions executed by renowned architects of the Schönborn family’s rule in the 18th century. Replacing earlier episcopal quarters, the palace represented a shift toward more modern and sumptuous living standards for the city’s ecclesiastical rulers.

The façade, with its orderly rows of sandstone windows, marks the transition from Renaissance influences into mature Baroque elegance. Inside, over forty lavishly decorated rooms once hosted aristocratic gatherings and diplomatic receptions. Among the highlights are the Imperial Hall, adorned with opulent ceiling frescoes celebrating the Holy Roman Empire, and the Electors’ Hall, featuring grand portraits of prince-bishops and imperial electors — symbols of the power centered in Bamberg during its golden age.

These days, the building houses both a state gallery and a library. The gallery includes over 500 works of furniture, painting, sculpture, and textile art, while the library preserves a rich collection of books and manuscripts. Together, they span more than four centuries of cultural heritage, underscoring Bamberg’s intellectual legacy.

Behind the palace lies one of the city’s most beloved places: the Rose Garden. Designed in the 1730s, the garden is arranged in formal Baroque symmetry with patterned flowerbeds and elegant sandstone sculptures. In summer, more than 4,500 roses bloom here in vibrant colors, filling the air with a soft fragrance.

From the garden terraces, visitors can enjoy one of Bamberg’s finest panoramas — a sweeping view of the old town’s red roofs, church towers, and the distant hills beyond. Café seating and open pathways invite travelers to pause, take photographs, or simply savor the peaceful atmosphere above the lively streets below. The New Residence allows for multiple ways to get lost in its charm, whether it is the sea of roses or the elegance of the building itself.