High above Bamberg the Altenburg stands. Its silhouette a familiar sight from almost anywhere in the town.
For centuries the Altenburg has watched over Bamberg. It’s a hilltop castle. A proud sentinel on the highest of Bamberg’s seven hills. Its history stretches back to at least 1109. Originally a Fliehburg a refuge for townsfolk during times of trouble. Imagine the frantic rush. The fear as people scrambled up the hill seeking safety within the Altenburg’s walls.
Later the Prince-Bishop of Bamberg acquired the Altenburg. It became his residence. For nearly three centuries it housed these powerful figures. Until 1553 that is when the Second Margrave War brought devastation. Albert Alcibiades’ army burned it to the ground. The Altenburg lay in ruins. A testament to the violence of war.
Yet even destruction couldn’t erase its history. A local physician Adalbert Friedrich Marcus bought it in 1801. He began a painstaking restoration. His friend E.T.A. Hoffmann a famous author found inspiration within its walls. He spent time in one of the towers. He even left his mark. Caricatures on the walls a ghostly reminder of his presence. The building is now called the E.T.A.-Hoffmann-Klause.
In 1818 the Altenburg found a new protector. The Altenburgverein e.V. Bamberg a society dedicated to its preservation. They ensured its survival. Their dedication prevented further decay. They continue their work today.
The Altenburg’s story is one of resilience. Of survival against the odds. Climb the tower. See the iron cage. It’s a fire basket. Though once thought for communication with the Giechburg castle it’s now believed to be a later addition. Look out over Bamberg. See the sweeping views. It’s truly magnificent. This old castle stands tall a symbol of Bamberg’s enduring past.