Old Court Hall and Historical Museum, Bamberg

The Old Court, located directly beside Bamberg Cathedral, forms one of the most atmospheric historic spaces in the city. This complex once served as the residence and administrative headquarters of the Bamberg bishopric before the construction of the New Residence. Its origins stretch back to the 11th century, when Emperor Henry II established a royal palace here, anchoring Bamberg’s role as an imperial seat.

Over the centuries, the buildings evolved into a fortified ensemble of half-timbered galleries, sandstone façades, workshops, and administrative rooms, arranged around a wide inner courtyard. The grand Renaissance gateway, adorned with reliefs of saints and imperial figures, still welcomes visitors with open arms.

Inside the Old Court, the Historical Museum Bamberg invites guests to explore the city’s long and layered story. The museum’s collection covers everything from medieval art and religious sculpture to coins, textiles, and artifacts reflecting Bamberg’s role in the Holy Roman Empire. Hence, the most notable exhibition focuses on the Imperial Regalia replicas, showcasing the city's imperial past. Other displays examine Bamberg’s evolution through the Baroque period, everyday life in past centuries, and the city’s rich tradition of crafts and guilds.

The courtyard itself is just as compelling as the museum. Its timber-framed balconies and stone arcades create a cinematic backdrop — so distinctive that filmmakers have used it for medieval settings, including a 2011 adaptation of The Three Musketeers starring Orlando Bloom, Milla Jovovich, and Christoph Waltz. During festivals and summer events, the space transforms into an open-air stage filled with music, theatre, and community celebrations.