The cathedral, the Diocesan Museum, and now the Obere Pfarre—rest assured, this is a carefully planned itinerary, not a pilgrimage! Bamberg was once truly a city of bishops, and these numerous religious buildings stand as living proof. While ancient sources mention a first church in the 12th century, construction of the three-nave church on this site began at the end of the 13th century. An inscription on the north aisle even marks the laying of the foundation stone on June 16, 1338. By 1387, the church was consecrated, although the choir and ambulatory were only added five years later. To the left of the main entrance is the Mount of Olives, recalling the biblical scene where Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion. In the opposite direction, the tall tower features a delicate interlaced design—well, except near the top! That uppermost level, with its plastered appearance, was once the keeper’s room until 1923. On the west side, don’t miss the nuptial portal, easily recognized by its open vestibule. Dating back to the late 14th century, this portal earned its name because it was where the ancient marriage rite took place: the priest blessed the couple and gave them their rings before they entered the church to begin the mass. Flanking the arch, a sculptural group of virgins decorates the space, while the tympanum—the area above the portal’s curve—features a beautiful depiction of Mary’s coronation watching over the entrance. Despite some structural damage during World War II and various restoration efforts over time, the Obere Pfarre has remained practically unchanged since the 16th century. Be sure to explore its Baroque interior—the vaulted ceiling paintings and the precious "Assumption of Mary" by Jacopo Robusti, better known as Tintoretto, are true masterpieces to admire.