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Under the angel's protection

The complete refurbishment

The former Benedictine monastery of St. Michael is located on one of Bamberg’s seven hills, the Michaelsberg. Following its closure in 2012, the former abbey church—with its famous “Heavenly Garden”—will once again be open to the public starting May 1, 2026, from Friday through Sunday and on holidays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
 

 

What is the current situation?

The comprehensive renovation of St. Michael’s Church is now complete, with only minor finishing touches remaining, so visitors can once again visit the church from Friday through Sunday and on holidays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.:


All scaffolding has been removed, allowing visitors to once again experience the full grandeur of the church interior. Work on the interior is largely complete. Currently, only a few remaining tasks are being carried out on the furnishings and in the area of the west gallery. Another important milestone was reached with the completion of the organ. Likewise, all window work has been successfully completed.
Work is currently focused in particular on the Holy Sepulcher Chapel, the Chapel of St. Mary, and the epitaphs.

The roof and facade renovation of the convent building is also proceeding within the planned time and budget. The first construction phase has been completed, and the second phase is proceeding as planned. Construction of the new public restroom facility is beginning.

At the same time, extensive planning is underway for the monastery’s entire drainage system and the outdoor grounds. The first calls for bids will be issued early next year, so that work on the outdoor grounds surrounding the church will begin in May 2026.

Aktuelle Farbfotografie der ehemaligen Abteikirche St. Michael auf dem Michaelsberg mit barocker Westfassade und zwei Türmen, weitgehend ohne Gerüste nach abgeschlossener Fassadensanierung

Construction diary

2025202420232022

2025

December

The first time the entire peal will be rung: 14 December 2025

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October

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May

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February – Countdown to the church opening

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2024

December
Before the last scaffolding in the choir was dismantled, the newly restored angels were installed around the painting on the high altar.
Before the last scaffolding in the choir was dismantled, the newly restored angels were installed around the painting on the high altar.
With the help of photographs of the existing layout, scaffolders and conservators, all the pieces were returned to their original places.
With the help of photographs of the existing layout, scaffolders and conservators, all the pieces were returned to their original places.
...as well as many other parts of the furnishings, such as the metal decorative elements of the Vierung altar...
...as well as many other parts of the furnishings, such as the metal decorative elements of the Vierung altar...
...within the frame of a flip picture...
...within the frame of a flip picture...
...and parts of the pulpit are currently being restored to their former glory.
...and parts of the pulpit are currently being restored to their former glory.
The choir screen has been cleaned...
The choir screen has been cleaned...
...and so gently removes the clearly visible grime accumulated over the centuries.
...and so gently removes the clearly visible grime accumulated over the centuries.
Even the wooden choir stalls are being refurbished down to the very last detail to last for centuries to come.
Even the wooden choir stalls are being refurbished down to the very last detail to last for centuries to come.
Individually packaged and neatly labelled, the refurbished window frames of the historic tracery windows await reinstallation...
Individually packaged and neatly labelled, the refurbished window frames of the historic tracery windows await reinstallation...
...in the leaded framework of the fully restored windows.
...in the leaded framework of the fully restored windows.
The temporary windows were removed and replaced with the original mullioned windows.
The temporary windows were removed and replaced with the original mullioned windows.
The installation was completed by gently polishing the windows, both inside and out.
The installation was completed by gently polishing the windows, both inside and out.
A few metres further on, work was also in full swing around the organ case:
A few metres further on, work was also in full swing around the organ case:
Cleaning work has been carried out on the organ case and the organ loft.
Cleaning work has been carried out on the organ case and the organ loft.
Over the past few centuries, a thick layer of grime has clearly built up, which has now been carefully removed from the surfaces.
Over the past few centuries, a thick layer of grime has clearly built up, which has now been carefully removed from the surfaces.
Out on the gable, high up in the open air, preparations were underway to install the sculpture of the Archangel Michael: to protect it from rain and the elements, the natural stone is being clad in lead.
Out on the gable, high up in the open air, preparations were underway to install the sculpture of the Archangel Michael: to protect it from rain and the elements, the natural stone is being clad in lead.
Inside the towers, individual, badly damaged stones are being replaced with new ones.
Inside the towers, individual, badly damaged stones are being replaced with new ones.
From a logistical point of view, bringing the heavy natural stones into the tower rooms and transporting them there is a challenge.
From a logistical point of view, bringing the heavy natural stones into the tower rooms and transporting them there is a challenge.
Once the stones have been moved into their temporary position through experience and teamwork, they are fitted into place one by one.
Once the stones have been moved into their temporary position through experience and teamwork, they are fitted into place one by one.
With one last glance at the nave, which is currently covered in scaffolding, we bring 2024 to a close, before 2025 begins with the dismantling of the internal scaffolding.
With one last glance at the nave, which is currently covered in scaffolding, we bring 2024 to a close, before 2025 begins with the dismantling of the internal scaffolding.
November
Deacon Josef Geißinger from the Catholic Pastoral District of West Bamberg blesses the act of watering.
Deacon Josef Geißinger from the Catholic Pastoral District of West Bamberg blesses the act of watering.
During the casting process, the molten bronze reaches temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Celsius.
During the casting process, the molten bronze reaches temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Celsius.
The casting process has been successfully completed.
The casting process has been successfully completed.
July and August
Summer has arrived at Michaelsberg. The natural stonework on the nave and transept is progressing rapidly and is now visible from afar.
Summer has arrived at Michaelsberg. The natural stonework on the nave and transept is progressing rapidly and is now visible from afar.
A lot of finishing work was carried out on the facades of the towers – here, the lead cladding on the cornices...
A lot of finishing work was carried out on the facades of the towers – here, the lead cladding on the cornices...
...but also the window sills.
...but also the window sills.
Once the top rooms of the tower had been completed, one could catch a final glimpse of the connecting bridge...
Once the top rooms of the tower had been completed, one could catch a final glimpse of the connecting bridge...
...before you could watch the scaffolders at work, performing their spectacular tasks at a height of almost 40 metres.
...before you could watch the scaffolders at work, performing their spectacular tasks at a height of almost 40 metres.
Now, for the first time since 2017, the upper gallery rooms are visible without scaffolding, offering a glimpse of the former monastery church’s former splendour.
Now, for the first time since 2017, the upper gallery rooms are visible without scaffolding, offering a glimpse of the former monastery church’s former splendour.
With work on the exterior of the towers nearing completion, we are now taking a look inside. All materials can only be transported via the lifts and a service hatch.
With work on the exterior of the towers nearing completion, we are now taking a look inside. All materials can only be transported via the lifts and a service hatch.
The removed bells were temporarily stored in a suspended position whilst the natural stone was being cleaned and repaired.
The removed bells were temporarily stored in a suspended position whilst the natural stone was being cleaned and repaired.
Individual, badly damaged natural stones are chiselled out and replaced – a physically demanding and challenging task in the cramped towers.
Individual, badly damaged natural stones are chiselled out and replaced – a physically demanding and challenging task in the cramped towers.
It is clear to see just how brittle and unstable some of the natural stone blocks are – they literally crumble to dust during the chiselling work.
It is clear to see just how brittle and unstable some of the natural stone blocks are – they literally crumble to dust during the chiselling work.
As part of the refurbishment, all areas will also be cleaned to remove any growth and dirt.
As part of the refurbishment, all areas will also be cleaned to remove any growth and dirt.
Inside the church, work on the choir’s furnishings is nearing completion. A few final large wooden decorative elements have been freshly restored and reinstalled thanks to a joint effort and a great deal of careful manoeuvring.
Inside the church, work on the choir’s furnishings is nearing completion. A few final large wooden decorative elements have been freshly restored and reinstalled thanks to a joint effort and a great deal of careful manoeuvring.
The finishing touches were then put to the stained-glass windows...
The finishing touches were then put to the stained-glass windows...
...whilst the wood conservators are gradually completing the restoration work on the choir stalls, which are over 300 years old.
...whilst the wood conservators are gradually completing the restoration work on the choir stalls, which are over 300 years old.
Consolidating and restoring delicate surfaces with millimetre precision requires the highest level of expertise, patience and perseverance.
Consolidating and restoring delicate surfaces with millimetre precision requires the highest level of expertise, patience and perseverance.
Parts of the surface are being cleaned of a wax coating that used to be protective but is now heavily soiled – the difference is clearly visible!
Parts of the surface are being cleaned of a wax coating that used to be protective but is now heavily soiled – the difference is clearly visible!
Other elements of the interior, such as this ornate altarpiece, are also carefully restored through collaboration between various trades, including glass and metal restorers.
Other elements of the interior, such as this ornate altarpiece, are also carefully restored through collaboration between various trades, including glass and metal restorers.
All the other windows are also gradually being returned to their original positions – the final touches are being carried out on site.
All the other windows are also gradually being returned to their original positions – the final touches are being carried out on site.
For example, the lead frames are fitted precisely to the window reveals, as each one has a slightly different shape.
For example, the lead frames are fitted precisely to the window reveals, as each one has a slightly different shape.
Replacing the crumbling column foundations right next to the entrance portal proved to be a structurally complex task.
Replacing the crumbling column foundations right next to the entrance portal proved to be a structurally complex task.
The new pieces now fit perfectly into the existing structure and will soon be on display for all visitors to the former monastery church to admire.
The new pieces now fit perfectly into the existing structure and will soon be on display for all visitors to the former monastery church to admire.
March and April

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January and February
The starry sky above St Michael at the start of 2024.
The starry sky above St Michael at the start of 2024.
Following the refurbishment of the natural stone floor in the sacristy, work has already...
Following the refurbishment of the natural stone floor in the sacristy, work has already...
...the scaffolding for the work on the building envelope has been erected.
...the scaffolding for the work on the building envelope has been erected.
Am Konventbau hat weithin sichtbar auch die Instandsetzung des Dachtragwerks mit dem ersten von drei Teilabschnitten begonnen.
Am Konventbau hat weithin sichtbar auch die Instandsetzung des Dachtragwerks mit dem ersten von drei Teilabschnitten begonnen.
Once the slate has been replaced, work will begin on repairing structural and system-related damage to the roof structure using traditional carpentry methods.
Once the slate has been replaced, work will begin on repairing structural and system-related damage to the roof structure using traditional carpentry methods.
Inside, the Sky Garden continues to blossom!
Inside, the Sky Garden continues to blossom!
A steady hand is required when fitting the shell-shaped frames to the 578 plants in the Sky Garden.
A steady hand is required when fitting the shell-shaped frames to the 578 plants in the Sky Garden.
Areas of loose or unstable plaster or paint, such as here on plant no. 394 – CommonFrogbit – are backfilled by injection and secured for further treatment.
Areas of loose or unstable plaster or paint, such as here on plant no. 394 – CommonFrogbit – are backfilled by injection and secured for further treatment.
This is followed by a partial retouching of the colour scheme, in this case, for example, the leaves of the true jasmine (No. 475).
This is followed by a partial retouching of the colour scheme, in this case, for example, the leaves of the true jasmine (No. 475).
Work on the natural stone cladding of the nave façade began late last year – transporting the stones from the monastery courtyard to the abbey garden is a logistical challenge.
Work on the natural stone cladding of the nave façade began late last year – transporting the stones from the monastery courtyard to the abbey garden is a logistical challenge.
Each block must pass through the narrow passage between the New Abbey...
Each block must pass through the narrow passage between the New Abbey...
...and pass by the church.
...and pass by the church.
Legoland in the Abbey Gardens? The new, individually sized sandstone blocks are waiting to be installed to replace the dilapidated stonework on the natural stone façade.
Legoland in the Abbey Gardens? The new, individually sized sandstone blocks are waiting to be installed to replace the dilapidated stonework on the natural stone façade.
It is only through teamwork that the individual stones can be transported to their destination. Thanks to the careful selection of materials, the new components blend seamlessly into the existing structure.
It is only through teamwork that the individual stones can be transported to their destination. Thanks to the careful selection of materials, the new components blend seamlessly into the existing structure.
Finally, the joints are grouted to create a load-bearing masonry structure.
Finally, the joints are grouted to create a load-bearing masonry structure.
Inside the choir loft, the restorers’ temporary workshop for the furnishings also had to be moved – and to lofty heights!
Inside the choir loft, the restorers’ temporary workshop for the furnishings also had to be moved – and to lofty heights!
The dismantled individual pieces of the fittings are stored in an organised manner in the immediate vicinity.
The dismantled individual pieces of the fittings are stored in an organised manner in the immediate vicinity.
Each item is photographed and documented in its original condition.
Each item is photographed and documented in its original condition.
This is followed first by a thorough cleaning to remove the grime that has built up over the centuries.
This is followed first by a thorough cleaning to remove the grime that has built up over the centuries.
And the restorers do sometimes get their feet dirty in the process!
And the restorers do sometimes get their feet dirty in the process!
In some cases, restoration or retouching work will be required on the frame.
In some cases, restoration or retouching work will be required on the frame.
The Archangel Michael, whose figure usually crowns the pulpit, was also meticulously restoredto ensure it would last for centuries to come.
The Archangel Michael, whose figure usually crowns the pulpit, was also meticulously restoredto ensure it would last for centuries to come.
Elsewhere, the groundwork was literally laid for another portrayal of Michael – but more on that soon!
Elsewhere, the groundwork was literally laid for another portrayal of Michael – but more on that soon!
We wish you a wonderful spring!
We wish you a wonderful spring!

2023

Christmas Greetings 2023

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December
The site has been set up and the scaffolding erected at the north-east corner of the convent building. Work on the first phase of the roof renovation will begin here next year.
The site has been set up and the scaffolding erected at the north-east corner of the convent building. Work on the first phase of the roof renovation will begin here next year.
From the eastern plateau, too, you can catch a glimpse of the newly erected section of scaffolding.
From the eastern plateau, too, you can catch a glimpse of the newly erected section of scaffolding.
Work on the natural stone began on the nave of the former monastery church – an unusual sight in the dark of early morning.
Work on the natural stone began on the nave of the former monastery church – an unusual sight in the dark of early morning.
The onset of winter and the sharp drop in temperatures at the end of November made working conditions considerably more difficult for many trades.
The onset of winter and the sharp drop in temperatures at the end of November made working conditions considerably more difficult for many trades.
Whilst snow was falling all around the monastery church...
Whilst snow was falling all around the monastery church...
...this photograph suggests that scaffolding has been removed from a large area inside the church!
...this photograph suggests that scaffolding has been removed from a large area inside the church!
Six years after it was erected, the scaffolding in the choir could now be dismantled. The dust screen shown on the left protects against dirt caused by the work being carried out in the nave.
Six years after it was erected, the scaffolding in the choir could now be dismantled. The dust screen shown on the left protects against dirt caused by the work being carried out in the nave.
Prior to this, the restored furnishings – such as one of the large panel paintings shown here – were reinstalled in their original locations through a joint effort. (Photo: R. Zenger)
Prior to this, the restored furnishings – such as one of the large panel paintings shown here – were reinstalled in their original locations through a joint effort. (Photo: R. Zenger)
The sculpture of Saint Benedict was also prepared for transport under the expert supervision of the restorer. (Photo: R. Zenger)
The sculpture of Saint Benedict was also prepared for transport under the expert supervision of the restorer. (Photo: R. Zenger)
Now, during the quieter days of Christmas, the cherubs have time to take a good look at themselves and their newly restored surroundings.
Now, during the quieter days of Christmas, the cherubs have time to take a good look at themselves and their newly restored surroundings.
We wish you and all colleagues involved in the construction project a very Merry Christmas!
We wish you and all colleagues involved in the construction project a very Merry Christmas!
November – Video construction diary

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September and October
View from St Michael's towards the cathedral and the vineyard
Every year, the arrival of autumn brings spectacular views around the monastery construction site.
Every year, the arrival of autumn brings spectacular views around the monastery construction site.
Work has begun on the convent building with the erection of scaffolding for the roof renovation work.
Work has begun on the convent building with the erection of scaffolding for the roof renovation work.
The new site facilities provide the necessary storage space and shelter for passers-by.
The new site facilities provide the necessary storage space and shelter for passers-by.
“Important for the tracery”?! – Meanwhile, work was underway on the tracery of a window on the north tower.
“Important for the tracery”?! – Meanwhile, work was underway on the tracery of a window on the north tower.
On the weather-facing side of the tower, the tracery, which had been severely damaged by the elements and age, had to be completely replaced.
On the weather-facing side of the tower, the tracery, which had been severely damaged by the elements and age, had to be completely replaced.
The tracery, weighing 280 kg and carved from a single block of sandstone, was fitted into place with great care and the utmost concentration.
The tracery, weighing 280 kg and carved from a single block of sandstone, was fitted into place with great care and the utmost concentration.
Fitted perfectly into its setting, it blends harmoniously with the existing structure – a masterpiece of stone sculpture.
Fitted perfectly into its setting, it blends harmoniously with the existing structure – a masterpiece of stone sculpture.
Meanwhile, liquid lead is being poured into the natural stone of the south tower to create metal anchors, not only to protect against corrosion but also to compensate for significant temperature fluctuations and slight movements of the tower itself.
Meanwhile, liquid lead is being poured into the natural stone of the south tower to create metal anchors, not only to protect against corrosion but also to compensate for significant temperature fluctuations and slight movements of the tower itself.
A curious glimpse inside the church. Angels and cherubs wait beneath covers to be installed in the choir.
A curious glimpse inside the church. Angels and cherubs wait beneath covers to be installed in the choir.
The restoration work on the plants in the Sky Garden is progressing well, moving westwards from the transept.
The restoration work on the plants in the Sky Garden is progressing well, moving westwards from the transept.
Over the past few weeks, much of the work has focused on reinstalling the historic windows. The first fully restored leaded-glass panes for the wooden choir and chapel windows are now ready to be fitted.
Over the past few weeks, much of the work has focused on reinstalling the historic windows. The first fully restored leaded-glass panes for the wooden choir and chapel windows are now ready to be fitted.
Hooks and winders secure the lead net with its Baroque moon discs.
Hooks and winders secure the lead net with its Baroque moon discs.
Unusual glimpses of the work being carried out in the choir. The fully restored dormer windows above the sacristy and the Chapel of Our Lady are being fitted into place.
Unusual glimpses of the work being carried out in the choir. The fully restored dormer windows above the sacristy and the Chapel of Our Lady are being fitted into place.
Glass, wood and metal conservators are working together to repair and reinstall the wooden windows in the choir.
Glass, wood and metal conservators are working together to repair and reinstall the wooden windows in the choir.
This provided a view of the church’s former choir side wall from the attic of St Mary’s Chapel.
This provided a view of the church’s former choir side wall from the attic of St Mary’s Chapel.
From the choir, you can clearly see the restored Baroque wooden windows with their lunette panels and several historical engravings by craftsmen.
From the choir, you can clearly see the restored Baroque wooden windows with their lunette panels and several historical engravings by craftsmen.
Another major phase of the church renovation is the restoration of the organ, which features Bamberg’s oldest façade, dating from 1615, and the Steinmeyer-Weise organ from 1889/1940. For this, the organ pipes – some of which are up to 5 metres tall and made of wood...
Another major phase of the church renovation is the restoration of the organ, which features Bamberg’s oldest façade, dating from 1615, and the Steinmeyer-Weise organ from 1889/1940. For this, the organ pipes – some of which are up to 5 metres tall and made of wood...
...right down to a few centimetres in size and made of metal – systematically dismantled.
...right down to a few centimetres in size and made of metal – systematically dismantled.
Having now been lowered to the ground, they are taken to the organ builder’s workshop for thorough cleaning and restoration.
Having now been lowered to the ground, they are taken to the organ builder’s workshop for thorough cleaning and restoration.
July and August
Sunrise over St Michael’s and St Getreu’s churches, with a meadow and trees
The sunrise over the monastic and cultural landscape at Michaelsberg in late summer.
The sunrise over the monastic and cultural landscape at Michaelsberg in late summer.
The beautifully crafted church pews are currently being held in temporary storage whilst undergoing restoration work.
The beautifully crafted church pews are currently being held in temporary storage whilst undergoing restoration work.
The gaps in the wood are filled in through meticulous, detailed work.
The gaps in the wood are filled in through meticulous, detailed work.
The additions will then be gradually adapted to the existing surface in terms of shape and colour.
The additions will then be gradually adapted to the existing surface in terms of shape and colour.
In the north aisle, work on the Heavenly Garden continues to progress rapidly.
In the north aisle, work on the Heavenly Garden continues to progress rapidly.
After working on the smaller sections of plaster around the plants, we are now moving on to the largerareas.
After working on the smaller sections of plaster around the plants, we are now moving on to the largerareas.
On the east side of the former monastery church, the gilders are currently working on the choir stalls.
On the east side of the former monastery church, the gilders are currently working on the choir stalls.
The areas to be restored are being masked off bit by bit...
The areas to be restored are being masked off bit by bit...
...so that the actual work can be carried out precisely in the next step.
...so that the actual work can be carried out precisely in the next step.
Damaged natural stone on the façade of the annexes is restored with great craftsmanship.
Damaged natural stone on the façade of the annexes is restored with great craftsmanship.
New individual stones are selected based on the colour of the neighbouring stones and are gradually shaped on site to fit perfectly in three dimensions.
New individual stones are selected based on the colour of the neighbouring stones and are gradually shaped on site to fit perfectly in three dimensions.
The replaced individual stone fits seamlessly into the gap, just like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, and does not detract from theharmonious overall appearance of the façade.
The replaced individual stone fits seamlessly into the gap, just like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, and does not detract from theharmonious overall appearance of the façade.
The church floor is also being subjected to a thorough inspection. Severely damaged, loose or broken stone slabs are being replaced in keeping with the historical context.
The church floor is also being subjected to a thorough inspection. Severely damaged, loose or broken stone slabs are being replaced in keeping with the historical context.
This work requires many steps, physical strength and skilled craftsmanship, particularly when fitting pieces into intricate patterns.
This work requires many steps, physical strength and skilled craftsmanship, particularly when fitting pieces into intricate patterns.
June
Early summer has arrived at Michaelsberg.
Early summer has arrived at Michaelsberg.
A dust screen separating the nave protects the restoration work currently underway on the choir’s furnishings.
A dust screen separating the nave protects the restoration work currently underway on the choir’s furnishings.
View from the organ into the central nave: the removal of the soluble, soiled and poor-quality plaster layer has been completed.
View from the organ into the central nave: the removal of the soluble, soiled and poor-quality plaster layer has been completed.
This work is now continuing in the side aisles. The team is starting with the fine details surrounding the floral paintings.
This work is now continuing in the side aisles. The team is starting with the fine details surrounding the floral paintings.
It’s not just sponges and brushes that are used in the restoration of the Himmelsgarten...
It’s not just sponges and brushes that are used in the restoration of the Himmelsgarten...
…temporary shoring of loose and severely damaged plaster areas is also required.
…temporary shoring of loose and severely damaged plaster areas is also required.
Damaged sections of the ribs are being secured to ensure that future visitors can admire the ceiling fresco in safety.
Damaged sections of the ribs are being secured to ensure that future visitors can admire the ceiling fresco in safety.
The sheer size of the scaffolding makes it a real game of hide-and-seek – only the lamps reveal where work is being carried out with the utmost precision.
The sheer size of the scaffolding makes it a real game of hide-and-seek – only the lamps reveal where work is being carried out with the utmost precision.
Take the choir screen here, for example. Before applying a pattern, the surface is first carefully cleaned.
Take the choir screen here, for example. Before applying a pattern, the surface is first carefully cleaned.
In the gilding workshop, the conservators regularly consult with one another to ensure that the overall harmony of the piece is not lost sight of.
In the gilding workshop, the conservators regularly consult with one another to ensure that the overall harmony of the piece is not lost sight of.
The richly decorated corner paintings present a particular challenge due to their size and curvature, one that must be tackled.
The richly decorated corner paintings present a particular challenge due to their size and curvature, one that must be tackled.
The damage to the gilded wooden frames, caused over the centuries by breakage, warping, woodworm and so on, is repaired through meticulous handcrafting.
The damage to the gilded wooden frames, caused over the centuries by breakage, warping, woodworm and so on, is repaired through meticulous handcrafting.
The next step involves gilding the surfaces of the primed restorations. It is essential to choose the shade of gold with great care, as it must fit into the overall historical context in terms of its visual impact.
The next step involves gilding the surfaces of the primed restorations. It is essential to choose the shade of gold with great care, as it must fit into the overall historical context in terms of its visual impact.
Using much larger equipment, however, the pews, which had been stored on a scaffolding platform since 2015, were transported to their temporary storage facility for restoration.
Using much larger equipment, however, the pews, which had been stored on a scaffolding platform since 2015, were transported to their temporary storage facility for restoration.
Logistics for tasks of this kind require careful planning and plenty of experienced helpers.
Logistics for tasks of this kind require careful planning and plenty of experienced helpers.
May – Video Diary

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January
The scaffolding beneath the church ceiling now extends all the way up to the gallery in the nave as well, to allow work to be carried out on the vault.
The scaffolding beneath the church ceiling now extends all the way up to the gallery in the nave as well, to allow work to be carried out on the vault.
The unstable layers of paint and whitewash are carefully removed. In the process, the fine details of the Baroque botanical paintings are also brought back to light
The unstable layers of paint and whitewash are carefully removed. In the process, the fine details of the Baroque botanical paintings are also brought back to light
The workshop set up in the winter choir is used for restoration work on the furnishings.
The workshop set up in the winter choir is used for restoration work on the furnishings.
The wooden decorative elements in the choir area are gradually regaining their former splendour.
The wooden decorative elements in the choir area are gradually regaining their former splendour.
The fine gold leaf is applied to the damaged areas using a brush.
The fine gold leaf is applied to the damaged areas using a brush.
A snapshot before the next step in the process.
A snapshot before the next step in the process.
The paintings, such as this one of King David with the Angel by Johann Jakob Scheubel the Elder, from the choir area,are being restored on site to prevent damage caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
The paintings, such as this one of King David with the Angel by Johann Jakob Scheubel the Elder, from the choir area,are being restored on site to prevent damage caused by fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Retouching requires a great deal of patience and dedication.
Retouching requires a great deal of patience and dedication.
Damaged parts of the ornamentation are removed and replaced with precise replicas.
Damaged parts of the ornamentation are removed and replaced with precise replicas.
Panoramic view from Michaelsberg of Bamberg’s winter wonderland.
Panoramic view from Michaelsberg of Bamberg’s winter wonderland.

2022

December – Christmas break at Michaelsberg
Church with scaffolding at dusk, with a Christmas tree
We wish all our staff, partner companies and funding bodies a peaceful Christmas! We look forward to continuing to work with you next year.
We wish all our staff, partner companies and funding bodies a peaceful Christmas! We look forward to continuing to work with you next year.

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November – the first snow
View from the tower of St Getreu Church towards the west façade
View from the tower of St Getreu Church towards the west façade
View of the south-facing slope and vineyard
View of the south-facing slope and vineyard
The crossing tower in a snowstorm
The crossing tower in a snowstorm
A look back at September and October
The fiery sky above the building site at St Michael’s Church heralds the arrival of autumn.
The fiery sky above the building site at St Michael’s Church heralds the arrival of autumn.
The protective tarpaulins were put up around the choir area to protect the natural stone during the cleaning work.
The protective tarpaulins were put up around the choir area to protect the natural stone during the cleaning work.
The west façade also has a charming appearance, despite the scaffolding.
The west façade also has a charming appearance, despite the scaffolding.
An impressive before-and-after effect following the cleaning of the natural stone.
An impressive before-and-after effect following the cleaning of the natural stone.
The Archangel is currently under close scrutiny by the site management, the heritage conservation authorities and the master stonemason to determine the next steps...
The Archangel is currently under close scrutiny by the site management, the heritage conservation authorities and the master stonemason to determine the next steps...
...before he is allowed to float back to his place on the gable of the church.
...before he is allowed to float back to his place on the gable of the church.
Inside the church, despite the onset of autumn, the leaves from the Sky Garden do not fall, but are thoroughly cleaned.
Inside the church, despite the onset of autumn, the leaves from the Sky Garden do not fall, but are thoroughly cleaned.
The cleaning of the transept vault in preparation for restoration has now been completed.
The cleaning of the transept vault in preparation for restoration has now been completed.
Carefully removing the paint from the 1950s frame is a real Sisyphean task.
Carefully removing the paint from the 1950s frame is a real Sisyphean task.
Much like snowflakes, the chisel marks dating from around 1890 are visible on the exposed Baroque surface. They were used to improve the adhesion of the new layer of plaster.
Much like snowflakes, the chisel marks dating from around 1890 are visible on the exposed Baroque surface. They were used to improve the adhesion of the new layer of plaster.
“Let there be light” – the installation of the new conduits in the existing openings and ducts for the future electrical wiring is in full swing.
“Let there be light” – the installation of the new conduits in the existing openings and ducts for the future electrical wiring is in full swing.
We are now looking ahead to the final weeks of 2022.
We are now looking ahead to the final weeks of 2022.
August at Michaelsberg
Blick in einen Raum mit Gewölbedecke und vergoldeten Ausstattungsteilen.
Teile der kunstvollen Ausstattung werden von einem Restaurator an einem Arbeitsplatz im Winterchor überarbeitet.
Teile der kunstvollen Ausstattung werden von einem Restaurator an einem Arbeitsplatz im Winterchor überarbeitet.
Steinwand mit Fensterlaibung
Nach Ausbau der Fenster sichern exakt eingepasste Konstruktionen aus Holz und Kunststoff die Laibungsöffnungen.
Nach Ausbau der Fenster sichern exakt eingepasste Konstruktionen aus Holz und Kunststoff die Laibungsöffnungen.
Reparierte in der Wand der Kirche
Nach der Demontage des Wandschmucks konnten auch die Risse in diesen Mauerwerksbereichen kraftschlüssig verschlossen werden.
Nach der Demontage des Wandschmucks konnten auch die Risse in diesen Mauerwerksbereichen kraftschlüssig verschlossen werden.
Sanierte Sandsteinfassade im Sonnenlicht
Die Fassaden des Konventbaus zum östlichen Konventgarten wurden bereits saniert, abgerüstet und strahlen im Sonnenlicht.
Die Fassaden des Konventbaus zum östlichen Konventgarten wurden bereits saniert, abgerüstet und strahlen im Sonnenlicht.
Arbeitsplatz der Steinmetze am Kirchturm
Die Natursteinarbeiten an den Turmschäften laufen weiter. Auch an der reich geschmückten Westfassade vor den Türmen wurde mit der Restaurierung begonnen.
Die Natursteinarbeiten an den Turmschäften laufen weiter. Auch an der reich geschmückten Westfassade vor den Türmen wurde mit der Restaurierung begonnen.
Blick durch das Gerüst auf das sanierte Dach
Wir blicken gespannt auf die Maßnahmen der kommenden Monate.
Wir blicken gespannt auf die Maßnahmen der kommenden Monate.

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