The Bamberg World Heritage Foundation will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sunday, July 23, 2023, with a lively festival at the former St. Michael’s Monastery complex. From 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Bamberg residents and all interested visitors are cordially invited.

The foundation’s charter is dated July 23, 2003: Ten years after receiving World Heritage status, the foundation was established by the City of Bamberg to promote the preservation of monuments and cultural life in Bamberg. Since then, the foundation has approved nearly 900 grants through the “Bamberg Model” funding program, totaling approximately 3 million euros. This funding supports the restoration of individual monuments and groups of buildings within Bamberg’s World Heritage Site. Cultural projects in Bamberg have received approximately 800,000 euros in support. Awards totaling 69,000 euros have been presented for outstanding restoration projects. It is a Bamberg success story.

Preserve the past, revitalize the present, shape the future! Under this foundation motto, the results and achievements of 20 years of work will be presented to visitors on this day. Chairman of the Board Mayor Andreas Starke and Ulrich Bauer-Bornemann, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bamberg World Heritage Foundation, will welcome guests at 1:00 p.m. with a welcoming address.

Preserving the Past

Several engaging short presentations are scheduled:

Bertram Felix, Professional City Councilor: “20 Years of the Bamberg World Heritage Foundation”

Dr. Kristin Knebel, Director of the City of Bamberg Museums: “Information on the Current Plans for the E.T.A. Hoffmann House”

Dr. Dengler-Schreiber, historian: “Michaelsberg History(ies)”

Karin Hamper, Real Estate Management, St. Michael’s Construction Management: “Behind the Scenes of the Comprehensive Renovation”

Prof. Bettina Wagner, Library Director, Bamberg State Library: “The Memory of the World in Bamberg”

No registration is required for the lectures. The detailed program, including times and a map, will be announced at a later date (also available online at https://www.stiftung-weltkulturerbe.de/jubilaeum).

The following special tours are available:

Dr. Peter Ruderich: “A Walk to Michaelsberg – Traces from 20 Years of the Bamberg World Heritage Foundation” (bookable through BAMBERG Tourismus & Kongress Service)

Rudolf Spangel, Real Estate Management, Klosterteam-Naturstein: Guided tour of the monastery buildings (no registration required)

In addition, you can learn about the restoration of the monastery complex at information booths and through short films.

Bringing the Present to Life

Skilled craftsmen are immensely important for the preservation of the World Heritage Site. They will showcase their work and invite visitors to join in. The IG Bamberger Gärtner, together with the Bamberg World Heritage Center and the Gardener and Hecker Museum, will operate a joint information pavilion featuring various activities. Regional products can be purchased from the beekeeper of the Bürgerspital Foundation and the Bamberg Gardeners. The festival will be accompanied by music from the Municipal Music School. As a one-time special event, visitors can have their photos taken for a new edition of the “Bamberg Wimmelbook,” featuring new motifs of Bamberg’s World Heritage sites. These photos will be used as illustrations for the book. There will also be a raffle with attractive prizes. For those with a head for heights, there will also be a final opportunity to take the elevator up the church towers if the weather is nice. A view of Bamberg’s World Heritage Site from the very top will then be possible! The proceeds from both initiatives will be used for the preservation of St. Michael’s Church.

Shaping the Future

A wide-ranging children’s program centered around the Star Fountain and in the courtyard of the monastery complex is organized by the Don Bosco Youth Association, the Bamberger Gärtner Association, and the Theater am Michaelsberg. Fairy tale readings for children by Andreas Ulich at the Information Center and other highlights such as a bouncy castle, face painting, juggling, acrobatics, jump rope, a slackline course, and, last but not least, rubber boot target throwing are on offer.

Of course, plenty of food and drink will be available: delicious regional dishes such as homemade tarte flambée, homemade cakes and coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and (game) bratwurst from the Bamberg Stiftsladen and the forestry operation of the Bürgerspitalstiftung will be offered. In addition, Silvaner wine from Michaelsberg will be served. The Franconian Brewery Museum will be serving beer, and the restaurants at Michaelsberg will offer à la carte dining. The “Eiskist” from Reundorf will provide refreshments.

Short Info

Foundation Festival on July 23, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the former St. Michael monastery complex (no parking available): A map of the venue will be available in advance at  www.stiftung-weltkulturerbe.de and www.buergerspitalstiftung.de, as well als on social media.  

On Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 3 to 8 p.m., and on Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 1 to 8 p.m., the popular wine festival will take place at the Winzerhaus im Weinberg, organized by the new winemaker from Michaelsberg.

Please note: Access to the monastery complex is limited due to construction work; entry into the inner courtyard is not possible on this day. Parking is not available there. We recommend accessing the site via Benediktinerweg, from Aufseßstraße/Maienbrunnen, Untere Sandstraße, or Michelsberg Street, or using public transportation. Due to construction, bus line 910 stops at Jakobsplatz or at the Michaelsberg Hospital.

Photo: Lara Müller, Bürgerspitalstiftung Bamberg