Heinrich und Kunigunde

 The following is translated from this German page. Much more information can be found on Henry by searching for "Heinrich II" or "Kaiser Heinrich". 

Heinrich and Kunigunde - katholisch.de


Every city has its own heroes. In Bamberg, there is an imperial couple: Henry II (c. 973-1024) and Kunigunde (c. 980-1033). Henry came from a Bavarian side line of the Ottonians and had to overcome many resistances until Pope Benedict VIII crowned him emperor in Rome in 1014. Unlike previous Roman-German queens, Kunigunde was also crowned separately and thus also claimed political influence. In order to stabilize the empire, Henry took part in campaigns – during his absence, the educated Kunigunde took over the affairs of government. Finally, the imperial couple decided to establish a bishopric in Bamberg in order to reorganize the Upper Main area and strengthen the Slavic mission. Until the founding of the diocese, the city had been a personal wedding gift for the empress. The two began with the construction of Bamberg Cathedral and made numerous donations to the cathedral. In the 11th century, a strong veneration for the imperial couple began and their childless marriage was transfigured into a celibate "Joseph marriage" – according to medieval taste. As late as the Second World War, pious Bambergers attributed the extensive sparing of their city from bombardment to the fog, which was interpreted as Kunigunde's widow's veil.


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