Simspiration: Historic Half-timbered Houses in Bavaria

When it comes to architecture, inspiration can be found in countless pockets of the world, from Shanghai’s futuristic glass towers to Santorini’s white Cycladic homes. Then there’s Bamberg, Germany, an impressive window into a time when common structures resembled gingerbread houses.

Sul sul Simmers! A spark of inspiration courtesy of the real world, through the lens of its local photographers. Like so many of you, we see inspiration all around, both inside and outside of our games. Welcome to Simspiration.

Wandering up and down Bamberg’s ancient cobblestoned streets in Bavaria, it’s not hard for German photographer Thomas Christians to imagine what life must have been like in the Middle Ages. Tiny Bamberg dates back to the 9th century, and its medieval churches, narrow alleys and historical buildings are so well preserved that The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) deemed it a World Heritage Site in 1993.

As such, Thomas loves photographing the architecture, a quirky mix of Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles spread across Bamberg’s seven hills. Fun fact — Rome is also built on seven hills, and 11th-century King Heinrich II wanted to transform Bamberg into a second Rome. (Spoiler alert: That didn’t happen). But what did result are beautiful surviving examples of medieval architecture.

The Old Town Hall, or Altes Rathaus, is one of the most iconic. Completed in 1386, its location — spanning the Regnitz River and accessed via a bridge on either side — is the most notable detail. A prevailing legend claims that the reigning bishop wouldn’t greenlight any land for a town hall, so the villagers circumvented him by building one over water. It’s a fun thought, and either way the final result is a hodgepodge of a Gothic building, half-timbered building, Baroque dome and Rococo balconies.

Fanning out from the Old Town Hall are classic examples of half-timbered homes, a popular medieval technique defined by exposed structural timbers. The distinctive style is reminiscent of gingerbread houses and appears in a variety of colors. We love this pink house! These are one of Thomas’ favorite architectural aspects of Bamberg since they’re no longer commonly found throughout Germany. He also favors shooting on foggy mornings when few people are out, which lends to the historical ambience.

Little Venice is a section of the Island District along the Regnitz River and provides another example of half-timbered homes. This area also dates back to the Middle Ages and once housed a thriving fisherman’s community. Nearby is Villa Concordia. This riverside Baroque building is a relative newcomer since it was completed in the early 18th century. The grand estate now functions as a live/work space for invited artists to showcase their work to the public.

Thomas hopes that others are equally inspired by Bamberg’s well-preserved architectural styles, and also feel magically transported back in time.

Dag dag and happy Simming!