The Altes Rathaus is Bamberg's old town hall. It stands on an island in the Regnitz River and is reached by two arched bridges. Its outer walls are covered in painted frescoes, and the building combines a Gothic-inspired structure with Baroque and Rococo work from the mid-eighteenth century. The best view of the front is from the Obere Brücke. Inside, the Ludwig Collection displays porcelain. Gondolas run along the Am Kanal beside it, and the old town around it is worth a slow walk.
Built on an island
Legend says the bishop of Bamberg would not give the citizens land for a town hall, so the townspeople drove tree trunks into the riverbed and built an island to raise it on. Whether or not the story is true, the building now stands in the Regnitz River and is reached by stone bridges from both banks.
The two banks once belonged to different groups. The common people lived on one side, and the bishop ruled from the other. The town hall sits between them, so reaching it means crossing the water.
From Gothic core to Rococo front
The building has Gothic-inspired architecture, but its present look owes much to later work. Baroque and Rococo elements were added in the mid-eighteenth century, and most of what you see today dates from the rebuild between 1744 and 1756.
The decorative detail on the front comes largely from that period. The tall arched bridges on either side frame the façade when you view it from the water's edge.
The painted façade
The exterior walls carry frescoes that cover the building. Some are trompe-l'oeil, painted to look three-dimensional from the bridge.
Some of the paintings are said to show how the town was built over the island, which makes them a useful guide to the story of the site.
Inside and around the building
Inside, the Ludwig Collection displays porcelain, and the Rococo hall is one of the rooms to see. Entry to the building is paid. The outside can be enjoyed from the bridges without a ticket.
Below the building, a small portside with a wooden crane sits beside the water. Gondolas run up the Am Kanal, a side stream next to the town hall. From the Obere Brücke you can see Klein Venedig, the former fishing district along the Regnitz.
The old town around the building is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The main squares, Grüner Markt and Maximiliansplatz, are part of the same walk through the centre.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
The outside of the Altes Rathaus can be viewed from the bridges without paying. Entering the building is paid, so check the official Bamberg city website for current prices.
Is the Altes Rathaus wheelchair accessible?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there is a wheelchair accessible parking lot nearby.
Should I book tickets in advance?
Yes. Getting tickets in advance is recommended for entry to the inside of the building.
What is the best view of the Altes Rathaus?
The bridge over the river shows the front of the building best. From there you can also see the frescoes clearly.
