City Hall Square
Rathausplatz

Rathausplatz is Regensburg’s central square, where the city’s administrative and political life has unfolded for centuries. The square is located in front of the old town hall, Altes Rathaus, which is the square’s main attraction, but the atmosphere on Rathausplatz is almost an attraction in itself.

Architecturally, Rathausplatz is surrounded by historic buildings with facades from the Gothic and Renaissance periods, among other things, and they emphasize the city’s wealth and importance in the Middle Ages. The square is paved and has preserved many traditional details such as fountains and statues, and from the square there is access to the pedestrian streets in the city and many of Regensburg’s attractions.

Old City Hall
Altes Rathaus

The Altes Rathaus in Regensburg is a complex of buildings that date back to the Middle Ages and have served as the city’s political and administrative center for centuries. The town hall was built in the 13th century and is especially known for its impressive Gothic architecture and historical function as a meeting place for the Reichstag, the imperial assemblies of the Holy Roman Empire.

The building combines Gothic towers, stone facades and detailed windows with later Renaissance elements. The interior contains, among other things, historic halls where imperial meetings were held, torture chambers and prison cells, which provide an insight into the city’s legal and political history. The architectural complexity reflects the functional diversity that the building has had over the centuries – from administration to law enforcement and diplomacy.

Today, the Alte Rathaus functions as a museum and cultural center, where visitors can experience both historical halls, exhibitions and Regensburg’s old city architecture. The building is an important place for understanding Regensburg’s role as an imperial city and its importance in German history. Before 1663, the Reichstag was held in various German cities, but from 1663 the event was located in Regensburg.

Regensburg’s political role naturally increased with the Reichstags, which were referred to as the immerwährender Reichstag, or the eternal Reichstag in the city. This meant that the imperial estates held their meetings in Regensburg continuously until the dissolution of the empire in 1806.

Regensburg Cathedral
Regensburger Dom

Regensburg Cathedral, officially called Dom St. Peter, is the main church of the diocese of Regensburg and the city’s most striking ecclesiastical building. It stands on the site of earlier churches such as an early Christian basilica from the 8th century and a Romanesque cathedral from the 11th and 12th centuries, which was destroyed by fire in 1273. Immediately afterwards, construction of the current Gothic cathedral began.

The construction of the cathedral spanned several centuries. The choir was completed at the end of the 13th century, and the nave was built during the 14th and 15th centuries. The two characteristic west towers were only completed in 1869, when the spires were also added under the direction of the architect Franz Josef von Denzinger. This gave the cathedral the profile we see today.

Architecturally, the cathedral is a masterpiece of South German Gothic. The building is about 85 meters long and 34 meters wide, while the two towers reach a height of about 105 meters. The stained glass windows date mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries and are among the best-preserved medieval stained glass in Germany.

Inside, there are a number of important works of art and historical elements. The oldest include the Romanesque Domkreuz from around 1100 and the figure The Smiling Angel/Der Lächelnde Engel from the 1280s, which is one of the most famous Gothic sculptures in Bavaria. The high altar was created in 1695 by the architect Wolfgang Leb und Guldner. You can also see the church organ, which is among the largest in Germany with over 6,000 pipes.

The cathedral chapter and the diocese have had great political and religious importance throughout the Middle Ages and early modern times. The cathedral served as the setting for major ceremonies such as episcopal consecrations and church events in connection with the Holy Roman Empire. During this period, Regensburg was a central city for imperial councils and diplomatic meetings, and the cathedral often served as a representative backdrop.

In recent times, the cathedral has undergone extensive restoration to preserve both the masonry, windows and furnishings. The cathedral is today the seat of the famous boys’ choir Regensburger Domspatzen, which can be traced back to 975 and is one of the oldest preserved choirs in Europe. Dom St. Peter continues to function as the city’s main Catholic church and is the center of the bishop’s liturgical life.

St. Emmeram

St. Emmeram in Regensburg was founded in the 8th century as a Benedictine monastery and named after the missionary and martyr Emmeram, who died around 652. His relics were moved here and made the place an important place of pilgrimage. The monastery played a central role in the religious and cultural life of the city, and in the Middle Ages there was a scriptorium where manuscripts and liturgical books were produced.

The current church was begun in the 11th century in Romanesque style and was later expanded with Gothic vaults. In the Baroque era, the interior underwent extensive renovation, which took place especially in the 17th and 18th centuries under the influence of the Asam brothers. Among the most important elements are the high altar from 1669, frescoes in the main nave and chapels furnished for noble families.

The monastery was closely associated with the city’s power elite for centuries. Many noble families, including members of the House of Thurn und Taxis, have their graves in the church. During the secularization in 1803, the monastery was dissolved and the buildings passed to the Thurn und Taxis family, who converted the complex into a princely residence. However, the church remained active as a parish church. Today, St. Emmeram functions as a church and is also part of the Schloss Thurn und Taxis complex, where visitors can experience the combination of monastic history and princely residence.

Thurn und Taxis Castle
Schloss Thurn und Taxis

Schloss Thurn und Taxis in Regensburg is today the seat of the princely family of Thurn und Taxis. The complex was built on the site of the former Benedictine monastery of St. Emmeram, which was founded in the 8th century. After the monastery was dissolved during the Bavarian secularization in 1803, the complex was taken over by the House of Thurn und Taxis, who in 1812 were given the monastery buildings as a residence castle.

The Thurn und Taxis family is particularly known for their historical role as founders and driving forces behind the European postal system. As early as the 16th century, the family had been granted imperial privileges to operate postal routes in large parts of Europe, and this position ensured them wealth and influence for centuries.

The architecture of the castle is characterized by several construction phases. The oldest parts date from the Middle Ages, when St. Emmeram functioned as a monastery. During the 16th and 17th centuries, parts of the complex were rebuilt in Renaissance and Baroque styles. After the takeover in 1803, extensive renovations and additions were made, so that the complex today appears as a mixture of monastery architecture and that of the prince.

The interior includes halls, reception rooms and private apartments. Among the most striking rooms are the Princess’s Hall, the Hall of Mirrors and the library, which houses collections of manuscripts, books and archives from the history of the family and the monastery. The castle also houses large art collections, including paintings, furniture, weapons and porcelain, which document both the family’s position and the connections they had with European nobility and culture.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Thurn und Taxis Castle also played a role as a cultural and political meeting place. The family maintained its status as one of the most prominent princely houses in Bavaria, even after they lost their postal monopoly in the mid-19th century. Today, the castle is still privately inhabited by the Thurn und Taxis family, but parts of the complex are open to the public. Guided tours allow visitors to see representative rooms, art collections and exhibitions. The castle is also used for concerts, such as the annual Thurn und Taxis Castle Festival.

Historic Sausage Restaurant
Historische Wurstküche

The Historische Wurstküche is known as the world’s oldest public sausage restaurant and is beautifully located on the banks of the Danube River. The first documented mention dates back to the 12th century, when the place was used to serve sausages to merchants, travelers and citizens. The restaurant is therefore not only culinary famous, but also an important historical site.

The building itself is traditional for medieval architecture, with solid stone walls, small windows and a simple but charming interior, which preserves the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. It has undergone later restorations, but the historical details have been carefully preserved to give visitors an authentic impression of how the place looked hundreds of years ago. Today, the Historische Wurstküche attracts both tourists and locals who want to taste traditional Bavarian sausage art in the midst of historical surroundings.

Porta Praetoria

The Porta Praetoria is one of the oldest surviving Roman city gates north of the Alps and an impressive testament to Regensburg’s history as Castra Regina, a Roman garrison town founded in the 2nd century. The gate was originally built around 179 AD as the main entrance to the Roman fort, where it served as both a defensive structure and a ceremonial gate. Parts of the Porta Praetoria have survived to this day, making it one of the most significant monuments in the city.

The Porta Praetoria is only partially preserved, and the remaining parts of the gate complex were lost in the Middle Ages, when the city wall was rebuilt and buildings were erected on top of the Roman foundations. The northern gate arch with its associated masonry can be seen, which is incorporated into a medieval building. Remains of the original Roman boulder wall can also be seen, forming part of the facade, and the massive ashlar and arch structures clearly show an example of Roman architectural style.

Scots Church
Schottenkirche

The Schottenkirche is a church in Regensburg, officially called Kirche St. Jakob. Its roots go back to the 11th century, when it was built by Irish and Scottish monks who founded the so-called Schottenkloster. The monastery was established by monks who followed the Irish Benedictine tradition, and it quickly developed into a center for missionary work in the southern German region.

The church is particularly known for its Romanesque architecture, including the famous Schottenportal, a richly decorated portal from the mid-12th century, which is a masterpiece of German Romanesque stone art. The portal is decorated with pictorial reliefs of animals, mythical creatures and biblical scenes, reflecting both Christian and Celtic motifs.

The interior of the church was rebuilt and expanded over the centuries. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Gothic elements such as vaults and columns were added. The frescoes that are still preserved date from the Middle Ages and provide an insight into the religious imagery of the time. Schottenkloster was active in the Middle Ages, but gradually lost its importance in line with the Reformation and the political changes in the Holy Roman Empire. In 1803, during the secularization of Bavaria, the monastery was dissolved. However, the church of St. Jakob remained preserved and has since functioned as a parish church.

Stone Bridge
Steinerne Brücke

The Steinerne Brücke or Stone Bridge is one of Europe’s oldest surviving medieval bridges and is one of Regensburg’s most famous landmarks. The bridge was built in the 12th century and served as an important connection across the Danube. It was strategically important for both trade and military movements. Its construction marked Regensburg as a central hub in the trade network of the Holy Roman Empire, and this contributed to the city’s economic growth in the Middle Ages.

Architecturally, the Steinerne Brücke consists of sturdy stone arches spanning the river with precise masonry and details that reflect the technical skills of the Middle Ages. The bridge is 310 meters long and consists of several elegant arches. The bridge was originally guarded and had towers at the entrances and exits, which are partially preserved today as historical evidence of its defensive function. The Steinerne Brücke offers the opportunity to walk across the river towards, among other things, the Stadtamhof, enjoy the view of old town houses and the Danube, and experience medieval engineering up close.

Stadtamhof

Stadtamhof is a historic district on the northern side of the Danube seen from the old city center of Regensburg. Stadtamhof was originally an independent city, which was connected to Regensburg via the Steinerne Brücke. The area has roots dating back to the Middle Ages and has served as a trading center for centuries, especially for crafts and river traffic. Stadtamhof illustrates how Regensburg’s urban development was closely linked to the Danube as a transport and trade artery.

The architecture of Stadtamhof consists of picturesque houses, narrow streets and small squares, which preserve the medieval urban structure. Many buildings have characteristic gables, towers and detailed window carvings, which show craftsmanship and historical style. The combination of small private homes, churches and public buildings gives the area a lively atmosphere, which also provides a good contrast to the nearby and somewhat larger city center of Regensburg. Today, Stadtamhof is a popular area close to the Danube with good opportunities for walks and café visits.

St. Mang

St. Mang is a church and former monastery building in Regensburg, named after the saint Saint Magnus. Originally founded in the Middle Ages, St. Mang has since undergone several renovations, combining Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. The church has historically served as both a religious center and a monastery, where monks have dedicated themselves to prayer, teaching and social work in the city.

The architecture of St. Mang is characterized by solid stone walls, high vaults and detailed decorations, which show the transition between Romanesque simplicity and Baroque ornamentation. The interior contains beautiful frescoes, altarpieces and chapels that illustrate church traditions and local saint legends. Today, St. Mang functions both as a church and as a cultural and historical site. Visitors can experience the church’s artwork, worship services and explore the monastery grounds, which still bear the marks of medieval structure and historical significance.