The Old Court

The Alte Hofhaltung, in Bamberg

The Alte Hofhaltung, the old court, is the former residence of the bishops and emperors of Bamberg, with Renaissance and medieval architecture. The Bamberg audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this fine ensemble, on the cathedral square.

The former centre of power, on the cathedral square

With the cathedral and the New Residence, the Alte Hofhaltung completes the centre of spiritual and temporal power of Bamberg, on the cathedral square. This old court was, before the construction of the New Residence, the residence of the bishops and the stay of the emperors when they visited the town. The ensemble blends buildings of different eras: an elegant Renaissance wing facing the square, and, in the inner courtyard, picturesque medieval half-timbered buildings with steep roofs, of great charm. The Alte Hofhaltung today shelters the museum of the history of the town. It is a major witness of the imperial and episcopal past of Bamberg.

What to see

You admire the elegant Renaissance wing facing the cathedral square and, in the inner courtyard, the picturesque medieval half-timbered buildings with steep roofs, former residence of the bishops and emperors, which shelters the museum of the history of the town. The Alte Hofhaltung testifies to the imperial past of Bamberg. It is a stop for those curious about history, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Alte Hofhaltung lies on the cathedral square, on the episcopal hill of Bamberg, reachable on foot. The inner courtyard is generally freely accessible; the history museum it shelters follows its own hours, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What was the Alte Hofhaltung of Bamberg?

The old court, residence of the bishops and stay of the emperors before the New Residence; this ensemble blends a Renaissance wing and picturesque medieval half-timbered buildings, and shelters the museum of the history of the town.

Where is the Alte Hofhaltung?

On the cathedral square, on the episcopal hill of Bamberg, in Germany.