Regensburg’s cityscape survived the Second World War almost
untouched and boasts an unusually rich stock of
Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The historical density
combined with the over all impressive appearance of Old
Town architecture, constitutes an ensemble on both sides of
the Steinerne Brücke: a mediaeval urban arrangement which
can be readily experienced. The area adopted by UNESCO into
its World Heritage List encompasses the Old Town of Regensburg
with Stadtamhof. It embraces 960 individual monuments
and listed buildings within an area of 183 hectares.
In 179 A.D., the Romans established a military outpost at the
northernmost point of the Danube to secure borders against
the Germanic tribes. Following the withdrawal of the Romans
as a military force, the outpost developed into a civilian
settlement. In the following centuries the town grew into
Bavaria’s first centre of religion, politics and business before
it was compelled to relinquish its political autonomy in 1810,
passing into the Kingdom of Bavaria.
By 1320, the town had stretched to the boundaries which it
was to retain for over 500 years. The former footprint of the
city can still be discerned by the green belt, established in
front of the city wall from 1778 onwards. Only in the 19th century
did the city spill out over its mediaeval core.
The Stadtamhof district on the northern bank of the Danube
was closely linked with Regensburg, even if it never belonged
to the Imperial City of Regensburg, but belonged to the
State of Bavaria instead. Stadtamhof was incorporated into
the City in 1924.
Today the Old City with Stadtamhof is a central and vibrant
inner-city area. Here you will find the most diverse usage: