Bamberg and the Ring (1-2)
Bamberg is a small town, full of cobblestone roads that intertwine in a confusing manner and scaffolding. We started our visit in the cathedral, which was darkly lit and mostly made of stone. In the entryway was the memorial for the only pope buried north of the Alps. Several small golden and wooden altars lined the sides, and at the front was a large silver altar. The main feature of interest was the small dark staircase down to the tombs of the bishops. Our next stop was the Residenz, which wasn’t quite as impressive as Ludwig II’s magnificent dwellings, but which still featured glorious tapestries and paintings. However, the main feature of interest was the large rose garden. Our big adventure of the day was the beginning of the Bayreuth Festival. Das Rheingold (2.5 hours long) is the beginning of the Ring Cycle, a four part opera by Wagner. It tells the story of Albrecht, a hideous gnome, who is told of the magical properties of the Rheingold by the Rheinmaidens, whom he is