Witch Hunts in Bamberg: Dark History from 17th Century
Bamberg
Discover the dark history of witch hunts in Bamberg during the 17th century. Learn about the victims, the stereotypes, and the chilling reality of the witches' prison.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Alte Hofhaltung - What does “witchcraft” actually mean and why did early modern societies fall into a real “witch craze”? These and other questions are the subject of the first tour station.
- Pfahlplätzchen - From stereotypical depictions of witches to the alleged evidence for the conviction of witches and magicians: the tour guide analyzes selected witch trials and their outcome with the group.
- Residenzschloss Geyerswörth - The focus of the station is the history of the “Witch Burner”. The exciting example of Bamberg’s mayor Johannes Junius shows that anyone in the Hochstift could be accused of “witchcraft”.
- Hexenmahnmal - Dealing with the heritage of the city of Bamberg is not only of great importance from a historical perspective. Using the example of the witch memorial, it is examined how the city deals with the topic of witch hunts today.
- Theatergassen - Of course, there were already opponents of witch hunts in the early modern period. Among them was the Haan family, which is the subject of this station.
- Standort des Malefiz-Haus von 1627 - ca. 1650 - The questioning and torture of the accused took place in the Maleficent House. The historical procedure is examined more closely on the basis of individual fates.
What's Included
- Expert tour guide included
Additional Information
The witch trials stand out as a grim period in the history of Bamberg, claiming hundreds of innocent lives in the 1600s. This frenzied pursuit of suspected witches and warlocks was not restricted to stereotypes like ginger-haired ladies or elderly women, but encompassed individuals from all societal strata, extending even to the city’s mayors. Being cast into the ‘Trudenhaus,’ Bamberg’s prison for accused witches, spelled almost certain doom.
- Total tour takes 2 hours from start to finish, including running time
Location
Old Court
Domplatz
The meeting point is outside in front of the entrance to the Old Court.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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