The New Residence
In 1604 construction work started on the New Residence on Cathedral Square. Prince-bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn had the two baroque wings built by architect Johann Leonard Dientzenhofer from 1697 to 1703. Valuable furniture, numerous 17th and 18th century rugs and the stucco work by Johann Jakob Vogel illustrate the splendour of court life under the prince bishops. The highlight is, without doubt, the imperial hall painted by Melchior Steidl.
Guided tours of the Prince-Bishop's Apartment take place regularly (in German; every half hour during opening hours). The other rooms can be visited without a guided tour.
The state gallery
The New Residence accommodates a valuable collection of old German and baroque paintings belonging to the art collections of the Bavarian State and the city of Bamberg. The most significant work of art is Hans Baldung Grien's "The Deluge" (1516). Paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder, Hans von Kulmbach and Flemish and Dutch still-life and landscape paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries are also on display.
Due to renovation work, the Electoral Apartment and the Old German Gallery are unfortunately not accessible until further notice.
