Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court)
Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court) is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Bamberg audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~45 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Bamberg Bamberg guide
About Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court)
The Alte Hofhaltung in Bamberg, the old court of the bishops beside the cathedral, on the site of Emperor Henry II's palace, with a Renaissance gate and a courtyard of half-timbered galleries.
A castle stood here first, and around 1003 Henry, then Duke of Bavaria, made it his palace; after 1007 it became the home of the bishops. The buildings you see are mostly from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, with the Beautiful Gate of 1573. In 1208 King Philip of Swabia was murdered here. Today the buildings hold the Historical Museum of the city.
The courtyard is a public passage. The Historical Museum needs a ticket and usually closes for the winter; the old palace chapels are closed. In summer, open-air plays are staged in the courtyard.
Did you know? King Philip of Swabia was murdered in the Alte Hofhaltung in Bamberg, the palace beside the cathedral, by a Bavarian count on 21 June 1208.
How long should you spend at Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court)?
Plan about ~45 min at Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court). That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court) worth visiting?
Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court) is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Bamberg, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Bamberg
Day 1 of the Bamberg in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court)
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