Bavaria / Bayern

The Romans have been here -on the banks of the Danube- for about 400 years. When they withdrew a group of Bavarii settled here, lead by a person named Strupo. Accordingly the settlement was called Strupinga - and today is Straubing. Today the center of the town is about 500 meters east, the old center was right here, all around the Carolingian predecessor of the church of St. Peter. St. Peter, built around 1200, is a sober Romanesque basilica. The structure of the church looks very "complete", what is the result of the reconstruction of the 19th century. Probably since the old days the church is surrounded by a graveyard. Some of the old monuments are more than 400 years old. The graveyard has three old chapels. Unfortunately all three chapels were locked, due to some kind of vandalism, that had taken place. That was what I learned from the paper at the door. The oldest chapel "Unserer Lieben Frau" was built in 1425 over an older Romanesque structure. I could peep through a narrow window into the crypt, where old crosses epitaphs are stored.

The Romans have been here -on the banks of the Danube- for about 400 years. When they withdrew a group of Bavarii settled here, lead by a person named Strupo. Accordingly the settlement was called Strupinga - and today is Straubing. The market place, seen before is about 500 meters east n the "new town", the old center was here, all around the Carolingian predecessor of the church of St. Peter, seen here. St. Peter, built around 1200, is a Romanesque basilica. Since ceturies the church is surrounded by an old graveyard. The structure of the church looks very "complete", what is the result of the reconstruction of the 19th century. Upto then the towers were not finished - and the higher one was decorated with a Baroque onion dome since about 1700. Fortunately the Romanesque carvings of St. Peter have survived the times of modernisation. Carvings like this tympanum of the southern portal, which is a side portal to the basilica. A lion to the right battles a beast, that may be a dragon with some griffin-genes.Do they really fight? Or does the lion just pose to the onlooker - while the dragon licks the lion´s ear.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral was consecrated in 1237. Of course, the cathedral got "remodeled" over the centuries a couple of times. The two eastern towers, seen in the foreground, are 76 meters high. They are Romanesque. The spires were added in 1788. The two western towers (only one can be seen from this pov) are erected in early Gothic style. They are pretty exact copies of the towers of Notre-Dame de Laon, erected around 1190. These towers are not the only "traces" of carvers, "architects" and builders from Norhern France, that can be found here.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral was consecrated in 1237. Of course, the cathedral got "remodeled" over the centuries a couple of times. The two eastern towers (left) are 76 meters high. They are Romanesque. The two western towers are erected in early Gothic style. They are pretty exact copies of the towers of Notre-Dame de Laon, erected around 1190. These towers are not the only "traces" of carvers, "architects" and builders from Northern France, that can be found here. The length of the cathedral is 99 meters. Seen to the right is a part of the "Alte Hofhaltung", that was the episcopal palace in medieval time. It was exactly here, where Barbarossa´s youngest son, German King Philipp von Schwaben ("Philip of Swabia") was stabbed by Otto VIII of Wittelsbach on June 21. 1208. As even Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien became suspect in this assasination, he had to flee Bamberg - and the construction of the cathedral stopped for a couple of years.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral in Bamberg, named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen in the background started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien. The place on the hill had been fortified already way before the first cathedral was built. Heinrich III had a palace here since 1003, that was transferred into the episcopal residence later. Here German King Philipp von Schwaben ("Philip of Swabia"), Barbarossa´s youngest son, was stabbed by Otto VIII of Wittelsbach on June 21. 1208. Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien became suspect in this assasination, as Otto of Wittelsbach was his cousin. He had to flee Bamberg. The half timbered buildings of the "Alte Hofhaltung" ("Old Court"), remaining parts of the episcopal palace, seen here, are a bit younger and date back to 1475.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral was consecrated in 1237. The "Marienportal", known as well as "Gnadenportal" ("Portal of Grace") was in the early times just like the "Fuerstenportal" only used only by high ranks and for processions during certain celebrations. Today is this portal, placed in the south/western tower the main entrance to the cathedral. It has a highly interesting tympanum - seen next.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral was consecrated in 1237. The Last Judgement on the tympanum of the Fuerstenportal. Originally statues of Ecclesia and Synagogue were placed on the sides: Ecclesia on the left on the side of the saved and Synagogue on the right on the side of the damned. This prestigious portal (~ 1225) was only used by the Bishop, his entourage and the high nobility. So there is a strong kind of warning here. Within the group of the damned are a bishop, a king and a rich man, standing for avarice. They are led to hell by a devil (wings on the shanks!) The damned all have a very grim smile on their faces.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral was consecrated in 1237. This is the tympanum of the "Marienportal" (see previous upload for the portal). In the center the Virgin, having Christ on her lap. She holds an apple in her hand, a symbol of the "New Eve". Other than in Regensburg, where a similar Virgin is part of the Schottenportal, this is a cathedral. So the personal flanking the Virgin here - are the patron saints of the cathedral and the political key players connected to the diocese. Left side: St. Peter, wearing a tonsure and holding a book and a key. St. George, dressed in a warrior´s outfit. Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, who had commisioned the erection of this cathedral, wears a mitra -- Right side: Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II), who founded this diocese. Canonzed and so since 1147 "St. Heinrich". Kunigunde von Luxemburg (Cunigunde of Luxembourg), Heinrich´s wife. Canonized and so since 1200 "St. Kunigunde". Bishop Poppo von Andechs-Meranien, Eckbert´s uncle and one of his predecessors on the cathedra. -- Under the Virgin´s feet is a small figure on his knees. This is probably Count Otto I von Andechs Meranien, who wears the cape of the crusaders.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral consecrated in 1237. Standing on the edge of the elevated eastern "Georgenchor" facing west to the "Peterschor". The total length of the cathedral is 99 meters, of which the choirs alone are 58 meters. So the most space was "reserved" for the episcopal clerics. Since the second half of the 17th century, the cathedral had a baroque interior. During the 1830s, when King Ludwig I of Bavaria had developed a favor for the Romanesque style (what he believed to be a German style), the interior got "purified". Visitors seem to line up below...

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral consecrated in 1237. Standing in the nave, facing the western "Peterschor" and area reserved for the Bishop and the cathedral chapter. The canons found their places in the stalls (1380) on the side, while the Bishop was seated elevated on the "cathedra" seen in the center behind the altar. At the back of the "cathedra" (not to be seen from here) is the tomb of Pope Clement II. Suitger von Morsleben was Bishop of Bamberg since 1040. When Henry III in December 1046 during the Council of Sutri sacked the rivaling popes Gregory VI, Benedict IX and Sylvester III, Bishop Suitger von Morsleben became Pope Clement II. On Christmas Day 1046, Pope Clement II was consecrated and - after that- Henry and and his wife Agnes of Poitou were crowned Holy Roman Emperor and Empress. Pope Clement II died in Italy (under strange circumstances) not even a year. His corpse was transferred back to Bamberg and interred here.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral consecrated in 1237. Unfortunately the entrance to the eastern crypt was locked - and I could only peep into it. This crypt contains the tombs of Bishop Gunther von Bamberg, an important counsellor to Henry III, and Conrad III, the first German King of the House of Staufen and predecessor of Frederick I ( aka "Barbarossa"). I found this side window, opening to the crypt. Probably even before the cathedral was erected, the dug well under this fountain existed.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral consecrated in 1237. Between 1225 and 1237 this sculpture, the "Bamberger Reiter" ("Bamberg Horseman") was created by an unkown master, probably coming from France. Since the consecration it has been on the same place, located on a console at the north pillar of the St. George choir. It is considered the first monumental equestrian statue since classical antiquity, and one of the first to depict a horse shoe. The statue is more than 2 meters high (lifesize) and was painted once. The horse was white, the cape red - and the crown golden. There are many theories, who this unarmed rider could be. Heinrich II, whose tomb is only a few meters apart, or Philip of Swabia, the first German king ever being assasinated - next door? I tend to Stefan I ("Stephen I of Hungary"), aka "Sankt Stefan" ("Saint Steven"). He was married to Gisela von Bayern ("Gisela of Hungary") and brother in law of Heinrich II. When Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien after Philip´s assasination (1208) was suspected to have teamed up with the murderer Otto von Wittelsbach, he fled to Hungary, from where he reached rehabilitation, returned to BAmberg and completed this cathedral.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral consecrated in 1237. Between 1225 and 1237 the the lifesize "Bamberger Reiter" ("Bamberg Horseman") was created by an unkown master, probably coming from France. Since the consecration it has been on the same place, located on a console at the north pillar of the St. George choir. The large sculpture, only partly visible here, (see previous upload) is considered the first monumental equestrian statue since classical antiquity, and one of the first to depict horse shoes. The sculpture is supported by two corbels. While the left one is just plain - the right one depicts the foliate head of a "Green Man". John Ibbotson just recently drew my attention to this corbel! Thank you!

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral was consecrated in 1237. Just inside the cathedral is this statue of a friendly smiling angel, holding an oil lamp. She has nice curly hair - and a smile on her face - just like some smiling angels in Reims.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral consecrated in 1237. Unfortunately the entrance to the eastern crypt was locked - and I could only peep into it. This large, three nave crypt contains the tombs of Bishop Gunther von Bamberg, an important counsellor to Henry III, and Conrad III, the first German King of the House of Staufen and predecessor of Frederick I ( aka "Barbarossa"). Conrad was on his way to Rome, where he should become Holy Roman Emperor by Papal anointing and appointment, when he died in Bamberg in February 1152.

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral consecrated in 1237. Not buried in the tomb, seen before, but kept under a glas-reliquary are the skulls of St. Heinrich and St. Kunigunde, also known as Heinrich II, Holy Roman Emperor (+1024) and his spouse Empress Kunigunde von Luxemburg (+1033).

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg. The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral consecrated in 1237. The tomb of Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II and Empress Kunigunde is one of the main attractions for the visitors. It was created around 1500 by Tilman Riemenschneider, the most gifted and prolific German sculptor of his time. Heinrich II was the last of the Ottonians on the throne. He was the son of Heinrich der Zaenker ("Henry the Wrangler"), following his second cousin Emperor Otto III, Theophanu´s son. As there were more hopeful aspirants, after Otto III sudden death (only 21 years old!), Heinrich travelled to Bavaria, where he stopped the funeral procession on the way to Aachen. In the village of Polling Heinrich forced Archbishop Heribert of Cologne to hand out the imperial regalia. But Heribert, favoring his relative Herman II of Swabia as the next king, had sent the Holy Lance, most important part of the regalia, ahead. So Heinrich imprisoned the Archbishop and later as well his brother, the Bishop of Wuerzburg. It took months for them to come free, but finally in July 1002, Bernard I, Duke of Saxony, handed the Holy Lance over to Heinrich II, who had been anointed and crowned a month before in Mainz. His wife Kunigunde was crowned as Queen in Paderborn in August 1002. In 1146 Heinrich II was canonized and since then was known as "Sankt Heinrich". A legend tells, that he felt very lonely and was very happy, when in 1200 his wife Kunigunde was canonised as well - and since then is "Sankt Kunigunde".

Only a few-minutes walk west of the Bamberg-Cathedral is Sankt Jakob. This church, once center of a collegiate, served the pilgrims on their way to Santiago - and this is still the place, where the "tampon" is stamped into the "credencial". The collegiate was founded in 1070 by Bishop Hermann I of Bamberg. The crypt of the collegiate church was consecrated already two years later. The "Heinrichsdom", the first cathedral in Bamberg, destroyed by fire in 1185, was still existing at the time, and so served as a model for this smaller basilica-church. Just like the Heinrichdom, Sankt Jakob has two choirs and a western transept. The two crypts were filled within the 18th century.