Sankt Sebastian

Hidden in plain sight, the Sankt Sebastian Chapel whispers tales of resilience. Sankt Sebastian isn’t always open. It reveals its secrets only for special religious events and a handful of church services, held outside the typical tourist season. This makes a visit to Sankt Sebastian a rare treat. The chapel’s history intertwines with the lives of those battling pestilence. First mentioned in 1477 as a lazaret, it provided shelter to plague victims. The street where Sankt Sebastian stands, Siechenstraße, echoes this past. “Siechenhaus” translates to “infirmary,” specifically for those suffering from epidemics. There were even separate houses for men and women afflicted with plague or “French disease,” now known as syphilis. The chapel’s simple exterior of gray stone, contrasting with the surrounding baroque houses, hints at its tumultuous journey. Its neo-Gothic facade was initially built without permission, a bold act by the community that ultimately won approval. The facade stands slightly askew, a testament to its alignment with the old street rather than true north. Inside, the chapel guards a treasure: its original organ. Silent since 1862, it’s a unique piece that only specialists can tune. The story of Sankt Sebastian is one of community devotion. When threatened with conversion into a wine bar, local gardeners rallied. They purchased the chapel, ensuring it remained a place of worship. Later, a priest’s promise during a plague outbreak led to a wave of donations when Bamberg was spared. Even today, St. Sebastian’s Church remains a cherished sanctuary, protected by its own foundation. Inside, the chapel holds silent stories. Two large paintings of Saints Andrew and Elizabeth stand before the altar, a tribute to the Schmidt couple who renovated the interior. The original Sebastiani statue and relics now reside in the Gardener and Crocheter Museum, but the spirit of Sankt Sebastian lives on. The yearly Sebastiani procession on January 20th honors the saint’s name day. A statue of St. Sebastian is carried from St. Otto’s Church to St. Gangolf, a tradition woven into the fabric of Bamberg.