Obere Pfarre Church of Our Lady
Bamberg's most important Gothic church, blending soaring architecture with dazzling Baroque art and a significant Tintoretto masterpiece.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Obere Pfarre Church of Our Lady
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bamberg's most important Gothic church, blending soaring architecture with dazzling Baroque art and a significant Tintoretto masterpiece.
"A breathtaking especially inside the church, from carving to the painting on the ceiling which is impressive."
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to the Obere Pfarre Church of Our Lady is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors. :moneywithwings:
Allow an Hour ⏳
To truly appreciate the intricate carvings, ceiling frescoes, and artworks, dedicate about an hour to your visit. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baroque Adornments
Side Aisles
Stunning Baroque furnishings and artworks, including Tintoretto's 'Assumption of Mary', add a dazzling layer to the Gothic structure.
Gothic Architecture
Nave and High Choir
Marvel at the soaring Gothic longhouse and high choir, supported by impressive flying buttresses, a testament to medieval engineering.
Image of Grace
High Altar
The around 1350 image of Mary with Child on the high altar is a central, revered piece within the church.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding Its History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to the Obere Pfarre Church of Our Lady is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors. :moneywithwings:
Allow an Hour ⏳
To truly appreciate the intricate carvings, ceiling frescoes, and artworks, dedicate about an hour to your visit. :clock1:
Look for Tintoretto 🎨
Don't miss the 'Assumption of Mary' by Jacopo Tintoretto in the right aisle – a significant Renaissance masterpiece. :frame_photo:
Hillside Views 🏞️
The church is situated on a hillside, offering pleasant views of Bamberg as you approach. :cityscape:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! 🎉
Entry to the Obere Pfarre Church of Our Lady is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors. :moneywithwings:
Allow an Hour ⏳
To truly appreciate the intricate carvings, ceiling frescoes, and artworks, dedicate about an hour to your visit. :clock1:
Look for Tintoretto 🎨
Don't miss the 'Assumption of Mary' by Jacopo Tintoretto in the right aisle – a significant Renaissance masterpiece. :frame_photo:
Hillside Views 🏞️
The church is situated on a hillside, offering pleasant views of Bamberg as you approach. :cityscape:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Obere Pfarre Church of Our Lady to be a beautiful and historically significant site, particularly appreciating its stunning Gothic architecture and ornate Baroque interior. Many highlight the impressive ceiling frescoes, altar, and the Tintoretto artwork as key attractions, noting that the free entry makes it a highly accessible experience. Some suggest allowing ample time to fully absorb the details.
"I enjoyed a quick visit to The Parish Church of our Lady is a Roman Catholic church situated up on a hillside at Frauenplatz during a recent visit to Bamberg.
The church seems to date back as early as 1140. However what you find today is mostly a Gothic building constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries, along with Baroque adages during the early 18th-century.
The exterior of the church is unassuming. The tower beside the entrance stands out. Within, however, you will find a more ornamented place of worship. The central nave features stucco works and an impressive ceiling fresco. The altar has an important image of Mary with Child while the two side aisles have nice features and artworks, including the 'Assumption of Mary' in the Right Aisle which is the work of Jacopo Tintoretto (c. 1555).
Overall, worth making a 10-15 minute stop to see Parish Church of our Lady if you are spending time in Bamberg and enjoy seeing old churches during your travels."
Brad
"From the information, it is called "Upper Parish" in English - the most important Gothic Church in Bamberg. The Longhouse built dated between 1338 - 1350; High Choir in 1392 which is supported by flying buttresses; the image of grace on the high altar around 1350 and the interior of the two aisles contains baroque style with a nave inside the church in 1711.
A breathtaking especially inside the church, from carving to the painting on the ceiling which is impressive. The altar is dazzling and stunning.
It takes an hour if you really want to check each the amazing architecture.
Good to know that I saw this in my two eyes and yes entrance was free during my visit."
John Paul Tuquib
"As beautiful as they can be. Up on a cathedral hill that stands this church, both beautiful inside and out!"
Steven Cheng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Obere Pfarre Church of Our Lady is located on Frauenplatz, situated on a hillside in Bamberg. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center, offering a pleasant walk with emerging views of the town. Public transport options are available to get closer to the Frauenplatz area, but walking is often recommended to enjoy the surroundings.
Parking in Bamberg's city center can be challenging. It's advisable to use public parking garages located a short walk from the church, or consider walking from your accommodation if staying centrally.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The church is generally open to visitors, and entrance is free. However, opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the most current schedule before your visit, especially on holidays or during special events.
No, admission to the Obere Pfarre Church of Our Lady is free. This allows everyone to experience its historical and artistic significance without any cost.
Photography is generally permitted inside the church for personal use, but it's always good practice to be respectful of worshippers and avoid flash photography, especially during services.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The church is primarily a Gothic building, with its longhouse constructed between 1338-1350 and the high choir in 1392. It also features Baroque additions from the early 18th century, creating a fascinating blend of styles.
Visitors should look for the impressive ceiling fresco in the central nave, the image of Mary with Child on the high altar, and the Baroque furnishings in the side aisles, including Jacopo Tintoretto's 'Assumption of Mary'.
A quick visit can take around 10-15 minutes, but if you wish to thoroughly explore and appreciate the architecture and artworks, plan for about an hour.
While the church is on a hillside, the interior is generally accessible. However, it's always a good idea to inquire about specific accessibility needs if required, as some older buildings can have limitations.
📸 📸 Photography
The intricate Gothic details, the soaring ceilings with frescoes, and the ornate Baroque altars and side chapels offer numerous photographic opportunities. The exterior tower also provides a striking visual.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical landmarks due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check local ordinances before attempting any drone photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit as a treasure hunt for beautiful art and impressive structures. The church's location on a hillside also provides a pleasant walk, and the free entry means no budget strain. It's a good opportunity to introduce children to historical architecture and religious art in a low-pressure environment.
🏛️ History Buffs
Consider researching the church's role within Bamberg's broader historical narrative, perhaps even touching upon the darker periods of its past, as hinted at in some social media content. Understanding the context of its construction and subsequent modifications will provide a deeper appreciation for its enduring significance.
🎨 Art & Architecture Admirers
Take your time to absorb the craftsmanship in the Baroque furnishings and the overall atmosphere. The church offers a fantastic opportunity to study the evolution of religious art and architecture within a single, historically significant building.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Over the centuries, the church has been enhanced with Baroque elements, particularly in the early 18th century. This layering of architectural styles creates a rich visual narrative. Inside, the central nave boasts stucco work and a captivating ceiling fresco, while the side aisles contain notable artworks. The high altar features an important image of Mary with Child, dating back to around 1350, and the right aisle houses the 'Assumption of Mary,' a significant work by Jacopo Tintoretto from circa 1555.
Beyond its architectural significance, the church has witnessed centuries of history. While not explicitly mentioned in the provided social media, the context of Bamberg's history, including periods of intense social and religious upheaval, imbues the church with a deeper resonance. For instance, one TikTok video touches upon the darker historical events in Bamberg, suggesting that understanding the broader historical context can enrich a visit to such significant sites.
Architectural Marvels and Artistry
Inside, the Baroque additions provide a striking contrast and complement the Gothic framework. The stucco works and ceiling frescoes in the nave are particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of ornate beauty. The side aisles are adorned with Baroque furnishings, creating intimate chapels and spaces for contemplation. The presence of a Tintoretto painting, 'Assumption of Mary,' elevates the church's artistic importance, bringing a touch of Renaissance grandeur into the Baroque and Gothic setting.
Visitors often remark on the dazzling and stunning nature of the altar and the overall interior. The combination of the grand Gothic structure with the detailed Baroque embellishments and significant artworks makes for a visually rich experience. It's this blend of historical periods and artistic expressions that makes the church a captivating destination for those interested in architecture and art.
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