Detail of the facade of Bamberg Castle in Franconia, Germany

New Residence, Bamberg

New Residence Bamberg Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Historical Sites in Bamberg

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Neue Residenz (New Residence) in Bamberg, Germany, is a magnificent testament to Bavarian history, art, and architecture. Overlooking the Domplatz and facing the iconic Bamberg Cathedral, this grand palace embodies centuries of power and cultural achievement, having served as the principal seat of Bamberg’s prince-bishops from the early 17th century. Today, it invites visitors to explore its richly decorated state rooms, renowned art collections, and the breathtaking Baroque Rose Garden—making it a must-visit highlight in Bamberg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town (Bavarian Palace Department; Tourispo; Wikipedia).

This guide provides comprehensive information on the New Residence’s history, architectural evolution, visitor services, ticketing, and practical travel tips—ensuring you make the most of your visit.

Neue Residenz palace in Bamberg, historic baroque architecture

Entrance of Residenzmuseum at Neue Residenz in Bamberg

History and Architecture

Renaissance Foundations

Construction of the Neue Residenz began in 1604, under Prince-Bishop Johann Philipp von Gebsattel. The palace’s earliest sections—its Renaissance rear wings—reflected contemporary ideals of symmetry and proportion, signaling a move towards a modern administrative seat distinct from the medieval Old Court (Museen in Bayern).

Baroque Expansion

The grandest transformation came at the turn of the 18th century. Under Prince-Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn, architect Johann Leonhard Dientzenhofer added two imposing Baroque wings facing the cathedral square (1697–1703), more than doubling the palace’s size and grandeur. These additions emphasized the prince-bishops’ dual spiritual and secular authority and showcased their ambition to rival the great courts of Europe (Museen in Bayern).

Historical Milestones

The palace remained the seat of Bamberg’s prince-bishops until secularization in 1802–1803, after which it became a royal residence for members of the Bavarian dynasty and even hosted exiled King Otto I of Greece. The Neue Residenz survived the upheavals of war and political change with its interiors largely intact, offering today’s visitors a rare glimpse into centuries of ceremonial and everyday life (Wikipedia).

Artistic and Cultural Highlights

State Rooms and Imperial Hall

The New Residence features over 40 lavishly preserved rooms. The Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), adorned with Melchior Steidl’s frescoes and 16 monumental portraits of Holy Roman Emperors, stands as the artistic centerpiece. Other highlights include the Prince-Bishop’s Apartments, the Mirror Room (Spiegelsaal), and the Chinesisches Kabinett, with its rare 18th-century lacquer paintings and Rococo furnishings (PlanetWare; Tourispo).

Art Collections and State Gallery

The palace is home to the Bavarian State Painting Collections’ Bamberg branch, displaying masterpieces from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque eras. Works by Hans Baldung Grien, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Jan Lievens are among the many treasures on display (Museen in Bayern).

Bamberg State Library

The east wing houses the Bamberg State Library, a center for rare books and manuscripts, including medieval treasures and historic documents (Wikipedia).

The Rose Garden (Rosengarten)

Originally designed as a Renaissance garden and later transformed into its current Baroque form by Balthasar Neumann in 1733, the Rose Garden is one of Bamberg’s most beloved landmarks. It features over 4,500 rose bushes, mythological statues, and stunning views of Bamberg’s old town and the surrounding hills. The Rococo garden pavilion, now a café, provides a relaxing spot to enjoy the scenery (Bamberg Info; Discover Bavaria).

Visitor Information

Location and Access

Address: Domplatz 1, 96049 Bamberg, Germany
Getting There: The palace is centrally located and easily reached on foot from Bamberg’s train station (15-minute walk) or by local bus (Domplatz stop). Public parking is available nearby (Wander in Europe).

Visiting Hours

Summer (April–October): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Winter (November–March): 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on Mondays and certain holidays—check the official website for up-to-date information.

Tickets

Adults: €8–€12
Reduced (students, seniors): €5–€6
Children under 18: Free
Family Ticket: €20 (2 adults + 2 children)
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online. The BambergCard is available for visitors planning to visit multiple museums.

Guided Tours

Guided tours (in German and often in English) offer access to additional rooms and deeper insights into the palace’s history and art. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Accessibility

The Rose Garden, pavilion café, and select ground-floor rooms are wheelchair accessible. Some historic areas have limited access; please contact the palace in advance for details.
Restrooms and a gift shop are available on-site.

Photography

Photography is allowed in the Rose Garden and exterior areas; interior photography is restricted and may require permission.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for the Rose Garden in bloom; early mornings or late afternoons for fewer crowds.
Combined Visits: The palace is adjacent to Bamberg Cathedral and near other key sites like the Alte Hofhaltung and Old Town Hall.
Events: The Marble Hall hosts concerts and lectures; check the events calendar.
Language: Guided tours are primarily in German, with English options available during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Neue Residenz Bamberg?
A: Typically 9:00 AM–6:00 PM in summer, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM in winter. Closed Mondays. Confirm on the official site.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Tickets are available both on-site and online. Advance purchase is recommended during busy periods.

Q: Is the palace wheelchair accessible?
A: The Rose Garden and some areas are accessible; upper floors may have limited access. Contact ahead for further details.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in German and often in English. Booking ahead is advised.

Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: Bamberg Cathedral, Alte Hofhaltung, Old Town Hall, and the historic city center.

Visuals and Media

Images:
Map:
View Map of New Residence Bamberg and Surrounding Historic Sites
Virtual Tour:
Virtual Tour of the New Residence Bamberg

Plan Your Visit

Enhance your trip by downloading the Audiala app for immersive audio guides, and explore our related articles: Bamberg Cathedral Guide, Exploring Alte Hofhaltung, and Top Museums in Bamberg. Follow us on social media for updates and special events.