Construction phases
The construction of the building took place in 1602 in two separate phases. The first section, consisting of two wings, was commissioned by Prince Bishop Johann Philipp von Gebsattel and built in Renaissance style. Today this forms the backward-facing part directly opposite the Old Court.
It was not until 1697 that the second baroque section was commissioned by Prince Bishop Lothar Franz von Schönborn, who claimed to be obsessed with the “Bauwurmb” (Franconian term that stands for an irrepressible hunger for the construction of more and more majestic and splendid buildings). After six years of work, the end of the construction of the Vierzehnheiligenpavillion (Fourteen Saints Pavilion) completes the building complex on the Cathedral Square of Bamberg, marking the end of the second phase of construction. The two magnificent baroque wings were once again intended to underline the power of the prince-bishops.
Scene of history
The New Residence was the scene of several important events in German history. On October 6th, 1806 Napoleon signed the declaration of war against Prussia inside the New Residence. Nine years later the Marshal of Napoleon, Louis-Alexandre Berthier, on the evening of June 1st, 1815 committed suicide by rushing from the top floor, because of the approach of the Russian army.
The New Residence granted exile to the royal couple Otto I and Amalie of Greece. When the two had to abdicate in their homeland, they moved to Bamberg, where they settled in the rooms of the residence between 1862 and 1867.
Inside the New Residence
Inside the New Residence there are 40 splendid rooms, such as the White Hall or the Elector’s Room, whose furnishings from the 18th and 19th centuries can still be completely admired today. The main attraction is located on the second floor of the Baroque wing, facing the Cathedral Square: the Imperial Hall, which is still used today as a venue for classical music concerts, readings and receptions.
In addition to the 16 life-size paintings of various emperors, the ceiling paintings by the Austrian artist Melchior Steidl are particularly impressive. The Imperial Halls usually extended over two floors at that time, but since there was no space because of architectural reasons, the painter created an optical effect that at least visually pretended that.
When the weather is fine, it’s worth taking a look out of the windows on the second floor. There is a fascinating view over the rooftops of the Old Town across the Main Valley and the Basilica of the Fourteen Saints on the horizon.
Planned extensions
In the 18th century, the Prince Bishops commissioned concrete plans for a renewed expansion of the New Residence. At the point where the rear Renaissance and the front baroque buildings meet, there are still visible corbels, all pointing towards the Old Court. According to the plans of the Prince Bishop, the New Residence building should have been connected to a new building, which should have been built instead of the Old Court, through an archway passing above the street.
There were also plans to completely replace the Old Court with a fifth wing. However, the fact that both plans could never be implemented was due to the poor financial situation caused by the Spanish Wars of Succession.
