The Middle Ages is a fascinating era that helped shape European history. A new western culture gradually emerged and grew throughout Europe from the rubble of the Roman Empire. Kingdoms rose and fell, leaving vestiges of their former splendour. It was the age in which cathedrals and castles were built and monasteries experienced their heyday.

With major exhibitions on the horizon such as "Journey into the Gothic Age" in Magdeburg and "Otto IV. - Dream of the Guelphic Empire" in Brunswick in 2009 and the "Staufer and Italy" in Mannheim in 2010, the Middle Ages will be widely talked about over the next few years, prompting enthusiasts all over Europe to go in search of evidence of this fascinating epoch.

Bamberg lives and breathes the Middle Ages. Miraculously unscathed by war, its mediaeval structures have remained intact, with the majority of buildings still originating from the Middle Ages. Although many have baroque rendering, their core dates from the Middle Ages.

The town's layout is a characteristic example of an early mediaeval city.

Together with a handful of other German towns and outstanding monuments, Bamberg bears witness to an historical tradition, paving the way for a smooth journey back in time, to an age that fascinates and attracts so many people.

Browse through our e-book to find out more about the locations of the major exhibitions taking place over the next few years, whilst discovering some outstanding examples of mediaeval architecture in cities such as Regensburg, Quedlinburg, Görlitz and, of course, Bamberg.