Kunigundenfest Bamberg

Patronal Feast of the Holy Empress

The Kunigundenfest Bamberg is the annual patronal feast of Saint Kunigunde (c. 980–1033), Empress of the Holy Roman Empire and – together with her husband Emperor Henry II – founder of the Diocese of Bamberg in 1007. Both are venerated as saints and are buried in Bamberg Cathedral in a famous tomb by the sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider.

Organiser: Archdiocese of Bamberg

The organiser is the Archdiocese of Bamberg, which assigns a new motto for the Kunigundenfest every two to three years. The motto determines the thematic focus of the lectures, concerts, workshops, and liturgies. In 2026, the motto is 'Impressively Courageous Women's Lives' – a focus on women who have bravely led the way in history, the church, society, or their professions, in the spirit of the diocese's founder, Kunigunde.

Programme Structure

The Kunigundenfest spans three days with various components: Solemn Masses in the Cathedral and parish communities, lectures and panel discussions on the annual motto, concerts and musical contributions by the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra and the Cathedral Choir, workshops and thematic events, as well as the actual Kunigunden High Mass on March 3rd (Saint's commemoration day) or the closest date. In 2026, the festival runs from April 20th to 22nd.

Bamberg Cathedral as the Centre

Bamberg Cathedral of Saints Peter and George is the spiritual and tourist centre of the festival. The Romanesque building from the 13th century houses not only the famous Imperial Tomb (Henry and Kunigunde) but also the Bamberg Horseman, one of Germany's most famous medieval sculptures. The entire Cathedral Hill ensemble has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993.

Tradition and SEO Background

The Kunigundenfest preserves the memory of the diocese's founder as a high feast in the diocesan year. It should be distinguished from the regular Kunigundentag (an ecumenical women's pastoral meeting) – the Kunigundentag usually takes place in March and is specifically aimed at women in the diocese, whereas the Kunigundenfest has a broader scope.

Bamberg – Imperial and Episcopal City

With around 78,000 inhabitants, Bamberg is one of Bavaria's most beautiful cities and has been a bishop's seat since the 11th century. The Old Town, including the Cathedral Hill, the Old Court, Little Venice, and the Island Quarter, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Archdiocese of Bamberg encompasses around 700,000 Catholics in Upper Franconia and parts of Middle and Lower Franconia.