Bamberg - Cathedral

Since 1007, when Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II (Henry II) made Bamberg the seat of a diocese, the Bamberg Cathedral ("Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St. Georg") is the seat of the Archbishop of Bamberg.

The first cathedral on this place, founded in 1004 by Heinrich II and named "Heinrichsdom", got consecrated already in 1012. This building got destroyed by fire in 1085. Around 1215 the construction of the building seen here started. It was commisioned by Bishop Eckbert von Andechs-Meranien, brother of Hedwig von Andechs (aka Hedwig of Silesia). The new cathedral was consecrated in 1237.

The Last Judgement on the tympanum of the Fuerstenportal. Originally statues of Ecclesia and Synagogue were placed on the sides: Ecclesia on the left on the side of the saved and Synagogue on the right on the side of the damned. This prestigious portal (~ 1225) was only used by the Bishop, his entourage and the high nobility. So there is a strong kind of warning here. Within the group of the damned are a bishop, a king and a rich man, standing for avarice. They are led to hell by a devil (wings on the shanks!) The damned all have a very grim smile on their faces.