St. Michael's Monastery

In 1015, a monastery was founded in the Bavarian town of Bamberg by Benedictine monks. It was named after St. Michael, who was revered as the patron saint of soldiers. The massive complex of the monastery, like a fortress, rises on Mount Michelsberg, beautifully fits into the panorama of the city. Two tall twin towers with spires are noticeable at a great distance, the third tower, located somewhat to the side, looks more miniature against their background.

The monastery of St. Michael is known for the fact that in the XII century Bishop Otto of Bamberg lived here, after his death in 1189 he was canonized. The relics of St. Otto of Bamberg were kept in the monastery church behind the main altar. In the Middle Ages, many believers came to worship them to heal from back pain.

The monastery became famous for the chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, and the unique painted ceiling inside the cathedral, called the Garden Paradise. It depicts more than 500 species of plants and flowers. After the peasant war and ruin in the XV century, the monastery was rebuilt in the Baroque style, according to the project of the famous architects of the Dinzenhofer brothers. Currently, a nursing home is located on the territory of the monastery, a brewing museum operates, and a church operates.