Background
On the Danube in Bavaria, this medieval town contains many buildings of exceptional quality that testify to its history as a trading centre and to its influence on the region from the 9th century. UNESCO lists structures spanning two millennia, Roman, Romanesque and Gothic, and says the 11th- to 13th-century market, city hall and cathedral still define a town of tall buildings, dark narrow lanes and strong fortifications, with the 12th-century Old Bridge.
Founded as the Roman fort Castra Regina in 179, Regensburg was the capital of Bavaria from about 530 and seat of the Perpetual Diet of the Holy Roman Empire. It came through the Second World War largely undamaged, and Wikivoyage calls it the northernmost city of Italy for its merchant towers and café life.
- 179The Romans build the fort of Castra Regina
- 739St Boniface founds the bishopric
- 12th c.The Stone Bridge is built
- 12th–13th c.Trade with Paris, Kiev and Venice makes the town rich
- 1663The Perpetual Diet of the Empire sits in the Old Town Hall
- 2006Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1Stone BridgeThe 12th-century bridge over the Danube, with the world's oldest sausage kitchen beside it.
- 2St Peter's CathedralGothic glass and the Domspatzen boys' choir at Sunday mass.
- 3Old Town HallThe hall of the Perpetual Diet and its museum.
- 4Patrician TowersItalian-style family towers in the lanes.
- 5St EmmeramThe Thurn und Taxis palace and cloister.
- 6StadtamhofThe island quarter across the bridge, part of the listing.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Bridge, Cathedral and Towers
From the GoGo Regensburg guide · Open the Regensburg Guide ›
- 09:30Stone Bridge45 minThe 12th-century bridge.
- 10:30Historic Sausage Kitchen30 minBeside the bridge.
- 11:15Regensburg Cathedral1 hrGothic glass.
- 14:00Old Town Hall and Reichstag Museum75 minThe Perpetual Diet.
- 15:30Schloss Thurn und Taxis75 minSt Emmeram palace.
- 20:30Danube Riverside45 minBridge and spires at dusk.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May–Sep. Freezing days in Dec–Feb.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
