Map of Germany showing Amberg
Amberg is a city in Bavaria, Germany. It is located in the Oberpfalz ("Upper Palatinate"), roughly half way between Regensburg and Bayreuth. Population: 44,200 (2001).
The town was first mentioned in 1034, at that time under the name Ammenberg. It became an important trading centre in the Middle Ages, exporting mainly iron ore and iron products. In 1269 the town became together with Bamberg subordinate to the Wittelsbach dynasty, that ruled Bavaria.
In 1329 the town and the entire Oberpfalz fell to a collateral line of the Wittelsbach family and was no longer part of Bavaria. The rulers of the Palatinate were open-minded towards Protestantism. In the 16th century the town turned to Lutheranism, but attempts of the ruling family to introduce the more radical Calvinism failed.
In 1628 Amberg and the Oberfalz became parts of Bavaria again. The inhabitants had to make a decision: returning to Catholicism or leaving the town forever. Many families left the town and fled to the Free Imperial Cities of Regensburg and Nuremberg.
Sights
The landmark of the town is the Stadtbrille, a bridge, originally a part of the city fortifications, whose arches, reflected on the river waters remind of a pair of eyeglasses.
Other tourist attractions in Amberg include:
- The Marktplatz (Market Square), with the Gothic Town Hall, built in 1358, and the late-Gothic Pfarrkirche St Martin.
- The Neues Schloß (New Palace), the former residence of the palatine counts at the Rhein, built at the beginning of the 15th century but renovated in 1603.
- A well-preserved section of the medieval city walls and gates.
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