Sankt Stephan

Did Empress Kunigunde ever imagine her church would become a Protestant hub? Here at Sankt Stephan, Bamberg’s most important Protestant church, that very question hangs in the air. Sankt Stephan sits atop Bamberg’s easternmost hill. It has held a prominent position in the city’s spiritual landscape since 1020. Back then, Pope Benedict VIII himself consecrated this very ground. He did so in the presence of Emperor Heinrich II and Empress Kunigunde. The original church was likely Kunigunde’s gift to the city. This makes her vital to Sankt Stephan’s early history. The church we see today arose from the ashes of the old in the 17th century. It was built in two phases, giving it a unique blend of architectural styles. Giovanni Bonalino designed the choir in 1628. He incorporated elements of Baroque and neo-Gothic design. Later, Antonio Petrini designed the three naves, adding a strong Renaissance influence to the prevailing Baroque style. The result is a captivating mix of history and artistry. Inside Sankt Stephan, you’ll find artwork spanning from the Baroque period to modern times. A unique story entwined with Sankt Stephan concerns a miracle. Legend says, during the church’s construction, a dishonest worker stole from the payroll. Kunigunde, determined to expose the thief, personally distributed coins to the workers. When the thief took more than his share, his hands burned until only a single penny remained. This tale, known as the “Pfennigwunder,” is depicted on the imperial tomb in Bamberg Cathedral. Beyond its religious significance, Sankt Stephan also serves as a cultural hub. The attached Stephanshof hosts concerts, theater performances, and various events. This makes the church a vibrant center for community and the arts. Sankt Stephan has witnessed eight centuries of Bamberg’s history, evolving from a Catholic collegiate church to a symbol of Protestant faith. Its story is one of transformation, resilience, and the enduring power of faith in the heart of Bamberg.