May 25: Bamberg – Michelsberg 1
Michelsberg (or Michaelsberg) Abbey lies to the northwest of the Dom, and Michelsberg is another one of the seven hills of Bamberg. It was the most remote place I reached on the walk. It was a Benedictine monastery until 1803 and then became an almshouse, which evolved into its current use as a home for the elderly.
5235
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5235.jpg)
Along the way from the Jakobskirche, happy sunny grass.
5237
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5237.jpg)
Through this curious aperture near Jakobsplatz is a secret view of Michelsberg and its steep front slope.
5244
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5244.jpg)
I proceeded down this delightful narrow lane, the Franziskanergasse. In urban design terminology, this street geometry is known as a "luge." Not really. Until now.
5245
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5245.jpg)
A look back up the lane at the lower end. Those hanging plants make it such a comfy-looking place.
5250
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5250.jpg)
Meanwhile, time to get up the next hill.
5254
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5254.jpg)
Way over yonder is the Altenburg castle, on the highest of the hills. I didn't have a chance to get to it. Next time, I hope.
5257
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5257.jpg)
After a rather arduous climb, I reached the abbey; here is the view from the grand front yard of the Michaelskirche in the center.
5258
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5258.jpg)
The entrance was through another wing of the abbey; this is a view back out, showing the street that leads away to the west, St. Getreu-Straße.
5260
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5260.jpg)
A familiar story by now: in the early 17th century the Romanesque church was rebuilt in a more modern style, in this case due to a fire. Here we have a mix of eras.
5263
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5263.jpg)
There was this expansive view out to the northwest, to the industrial areas downstream, and to the hills beyond. Is that a gigantic wind turbine on the horizon at right?
5267
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5267.jpg)
The view was from this lovely terrace at the northwest edge of the grounds.
5269
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5269.jpg)
This is the kind of place that demands you stay a while and chill rather than snap-and-run, but alas...
5274
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5274.jpg)
This restroom perched on the hillside was open to the public, and if I remember correctly, I was extremely grateful for that.
5275
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5275.jpg)
A carved window.
5278
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5278.jpg)
The abbey view from below.
5280
![](pix/michelsberg-1/5280.jpg)
The north wall of the core of the abbey.