Touches of white, yellow, pink, red—or why not, all mixed together—the Rose Garden bursts into a vibrant sea of color during its blooming season. The idea, more or less, came from Friedrich Karl von Schönborn, the 18th-century prince-bishop of Bamberg. Before taking this role, he spent time at the Viennese court as vice-chancellor to the Emperor, where he developed a passion for architecture, collecting art, and garden design. Bringing this passion back to Bamberg, he set to work on the inner courtyard of the new residence for the city’s bishops. The old Renaissance garden was replaced with a baroque-inspired layout designed by the famous architect Balthasar Neumann. The grounds were leveled and transformed into a geometric pattern of pathways and circular flowerbeds, dotted with sculptures of mythological gods like Venus, Apollo, and Ceres, crafted by Ferdinand Tietz. To protect these statues from weather damage, only copies remain on display today. When the prince-bishopric was incorporated into the Kingdom of Bavaria, Duke Wilhelm and his wife became the proud new owners of the residence—and its garden. They enhanced it so beautifully that by the late 19th century, it boasted no fewer than 3,000 rose bushes—a true early rosarium! Over time, the garden has evolved, and today it features hedges, boxwood, and 4,500 rose bushes across 50 different varieties, all framed by lime trees and elms. With its burst of color, intoxicating fragrance, and stunning views over the old town, what more could anyone ask for?