Amberg, formerly capital of the Upper Palatinate, lies in the eastern part of the Franconian Jura, nestling in the valley of the Vils, which flows through the old town.
The old medieval and Baroque town is still ringed by walls, with towers and gates. The line of the old ramparts is now marked by a succession of parks and gardens.
The Late Gothic hall-church of St Martin (1421-83) in Amberg is the most important Gothic church in the Upper Palatinate after Regensburg Cathedral. The 91m/299ft high west tower was built in 1534. The church contains the imposing monument of Count Palatine Ruprecht Pipan (d. 1397).
The 17th C. Electoral Palace in Amberg is now occupied by local government offices. From the palace the town walls are carried over the river Vils on two arches, known as the Stadtbrille (the town's "spectacles").
3km/2mi northeast of Amberg, on a hill commanding extensive views, stands the pilgrimage church of Mariahilf, with stucco decoration by Giovanni Battista Carlone and ceiling paintings by Cosmas Damian Asam.
The museum is housed in a warehouse that was built in the 15th or 16th century. The Amberg Municipal Museum houses exhibits highlighting the town's history, regional handicrafts and the history of textiles.
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), New Year's Eve (December 31), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
The hub of Amberg's old town within its oval circuit of walls is the Marktplatz, with the Town Hall (14th-16th C; Great Council Chamber and Lesser Council Chamber, with beautiful coffered ceilings).
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Town Hall, Amberg
Amberg
