Regensburg

Dominating the skyline of Regensburg, the Cathedral of St. Peter is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and serves as the heart of the city’s religious life. Its construction began in 1275, replacing an earlier Romanesque structure of which only the Eselsturm (Donkey Tower) remains. By 1450, the cathedral was timbered over and made functional, with the distinctive twin towers and spires completed between 1859 and 1869. Alongside the Cologne Cathedral, it stands as one of Germany’s most important Gothic cathedrals, offering visitors a glimpse into medieval craftsmanship and faith that has shaped the city’s identity.

The Stone Bridge, a majestic span across the Danube, dominates Regensburg’s skyline with its medieval grandeur. Constructed between 1135 and 1146, this stone marvel has served as a vital artery connecting the old town with Stadtamhof for over eight centuries. Its enduring arches and the iconic bridge figure, the 'Brückenmännchen,' remain symbols of medieval ingenuity and the city’s resilient spirit. As Germany’s oldest surviving bridge, it invites travelers to walk through history along its centuries-old stones.

The Old Town Hall of Regensburg stands as a monument to centuries of civic life. Its layered architecture reveals buildings from different eras: the southern Reichssaal with its distinctive bay window, the portal with staircase, and the oldest section in a patrician style, housing the mayor’s chambers. The hall of the Imperial Diet echoes the city’s political history, while underground cells and torture chambers whisper of darker times. Adjacent, the Kohlenmarkt square, once home to the bustling market and the historic Marktturm, now features a charming square with a monument to Don Juan de Austria and a lively fountain.

Overlooking the city, St. Emmeram’s Palace stands as an opulent testament to Regensburg’s noble heritage. Originally a Benedictine monastery, it was transformed into the residence of the princely Thurn and Taxis family by the end of the 19th century. The palace’s grand architecture, complemented by archaeological finds from its monastic roots, echoes the centuries of history it has witnessed. Today, it hosts the renowned Thurn and Taxis castle festival, drawing international stars and visitors alike into its historic embrace.

St. Emmeram’s Basilica, begun around 780, stands as one of Regensburg’s most venerable religious sites. It was originally the church of a Benedictine monastery, elevated to the status of prince-abbey in 1731. After secularization, it transitioned into a parish church for the city. In 1964, Pope Paul VI. honored it as a Basilica minor, recognizing its historical and spiritual importance. Visiting this site offers a glimpse into over a millennium of religious devotion and architectural evolution.

The Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady, nestled in Regensburg's historic heart, is a jewel of Bavarian ecclesiastical architecture. Founded in 1002 on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Juno, it claims the title of the oldest church in Bavaria. Its exquisite Rococo interior, crafted in the 18th century, transforms the space into a luminous sanctuary of artistic mastery. Once a humble chapel, it evolved into a basilica in 1964, bearing witness to the city’s spiritual and artistic legacy.

The Scots Monastery, or Schottenstift, is a striking example of high Romanesque architecture in Regensburg. Founded in the 11th century by Irish missionaries, it was long associated with Irish and Scottish monks, giving it a unique cultural heritage. Its most famous feature is the northern portal, carved in the mid-12th century, with enigmatic figures that continue to intrigue historians and visitors alike. This monastery offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural exchanges that shaped medieval Bavaria.

The Neupfarrkirche in Regensburg is a symbol of the city’s religious transition. Originally conceived as a Catholic pilgrimage church in 1519, its construction was driven by the wealth from pilgrimage income, intended to fund a grand Catholic church. However, as pilgrimage declined and the Reformation took hold, the church’s purpose shifted. The city took over its completion, establishing it as a Protestant church, which it remains today—an enduring monument to the city’s complex history.

Housed in a historic former monastery on Dachauplatz, the Regensburg Museum of History showcases the city’s rich past from prehistoric times through the modern era. Originally founded in 1931 within the walls of St. Salvator’s monastery, the museum offers an engaging journey through archaeology, city life, and regional culture. Its exhibits include detailed models of old Regensburg, historical artifacts, and art, all set within a building that has seen many uses—from religious site to military barracks, and now as a vibrant museum.

Neupfarrplatz stands on the historic grounds of Regensburg’s Jewish quarter and Roman camp. Excavations uncovered a synagogue site and a treasure hoard, turning this square into a poignant reminder of the city’s diverse past.

Visit Haidplatz, a lively historic square with a rich past, now bustling with cafes, while its quieter side streets offer a peaceful retreat into local life.

The Porta Praetoria marks the northern gateway of ancient Regensburg, remnants of a Roman fortress from 179 AD. Once the formidable entrance to Castra Regina, this stone arch stands as a silent sentinel of Roman engineering. Discovered in the late 19th century amidst the walls of a brewery, its preservation offers a tangible link to the city’s imperial past. Among the few surviving Roman gates north of the Alps, it invites history enthusiasts to explore the depths of antiquity.

The Museum of Bavarian History, located along Regensburg’s southern Danube bank, offers a comprehensive look at Bavaria’s story from the early 19th century to today. Opened in June 2019, this modern museum features a sprawling 2,500 square meters of exhibits, including around 1,000 artifacts. It’s a perfect place for those eager to understand the social, political, and cultural evolution of Bavaria, with engaging temporary displays and a focus on sustainable, energy-efficient design—making history both accessible and environmentally conscious.

Step into the heart of medieval artistry with Goliathhaus, a striking testament to Regensburg’s rich cultural past. Its façade, adorned with a larger-than-life mural depicting the biblical tale of David and Goliath, invites you to explore a piece of history that stands as a visual narrative of the city’s storied heritage.

Craving authentic Bavarian street food? Seek out the Historische Wurstkuchl’s lesser-known cousin, a cozy spot serving up flavorful sausages that capture the city’s culinary soul in every bite.

Crossing into Stadtamhof, the city’s historic neighborhood unfolds with its quaint streets and riverside tranquility. It’s a place where history and leisure intertwine, offering peaceful views of the Danube and a glimpse into local life.

The Ostdeutsche Galerie’s Kunstforum is a vibrant hub for art lovers eager to explore works from Germany’s eastern regions and beyond. Its collection includes pieces from artists in former German territories in Eastern and Southeastern Europe, and also features works from the GDR era. Located in Regensburg, the museum also honors the cultural ties of the Sudeten Germans. Every two years, it awards the Lovis Corinth Prize, which highlights excellence in regional and national art.

The Dreieinigkeitskirche, or Holy Trinity Church, stands as a proud example of early Baroque architecture in Regensburg’s old town. Built between 1627 and 1631 according to plans by Hanns Carl, it was one of the first Lutheran church constructions in Bavaria, symbolizing the city’s religious shifts during the Reformation. Its commanding tower offers panoramic views of the city, making it a favorite for visitors. The church’s southern courtyard, historically a burial site, holds graves of soldiers and exiles, echoing the turbulent times during the Thirty Years’ War when the church was completed amidst conflict and upheaval.

Perched within the historic fabric of Regensburg, the Minoritenkirche tells the quiet story of the city's spiritual past. Once a cloister of the Franciscan friars, known as St. Salvator, this monastery reflects the serene austerity of the Minorite order. Its walls whisper of centuries of devotion, standing as a testament to Regensburg's religious history and architectural grace.

Stiftskirche St. Johann, founded in 1127, is the spiritual heart of the collegiate church complex in Regensburg. Situated near the cathedral, this church is dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, with a history marked by architectural changes—from its original Ottonian form to a Gothic structure, and later, a Baroque renovation in the 1760s. After a fire in 1887, it was rebuilt in a neo-Baroque style. Its historical layers reflect the city’s evolving religious landscape and architectural tastes.

Just southeast of the Regensburg Cathedral, the former Church of St. Ulrich sits quietly on the Domplatz. Today, it forms part of the city’s diocesan museum network, showcasing religious art and history in a setting that’s both accessible and evocative of its ecclesiastical past. Its proximity to the main cathedral makes it an easy stop for those interested in the city’s religious architecture and heritage.

Relax in Herzogspark, where botanical gardens, ancient castle ruins, and contemporary art installations create a serene outdoor sanctuary.

On the banks of the Danube, the Regensburg Museum of Danube Shipping immerses visitors in the maritime history of the region. Founded in 1979, this museum showcases the evolution of river navigation, with captivating exhibits like the steam tug Ruthof and the diesel-powered Freudenau. It offers a vivid narrative of the work, technology, and lives of those who have navigated these vital waterways through the ages.

The Karmelitenkirche St. Josef, located at the Old Grain Market in Regensburg’s Old Town, is the main church of the unshod Carmelite convent. An impressive high Baroque structure built between 1660 and 1673, its design is attributed to architects possibly including Carlo Lurago or Antonio Petrini. The church stands out for its ornate interior and its role as a center of prayer and devotion, offering visitors a glimpse into the spiritual life of 17th-century Bavaria.