Bamberg is a city in south central Germany, in Bavaria, on the Regnitz River. The city is famous for its many fine examples of German architecture from the 15th through the 17th century. Bamberg is the site of an 11th-century cathedral and two episcopal palaces. A bishopric since 1007 and an archbishopric since 1802, Bamberg was ruled by bishop princes from the 13th century until 1801. It was annexed by Bavaria the following year. From the 10th century onwards, this town became an important link with the Slav peoples, especially those of Poland and Pomerania. During its period of greatest prosperity, from the 12th century onwards, the architecture of Bamberg strongly influenced northern Germany and Hungary. In the late 18th century it was the centre of the Enlightenment in southern Germany, with eminent philosophers and writers such as Hegel and Hoffmann living there. The once imperial city of Bamberg is considered one of the most romantic of German cities. Sunny street cafes, unspoiled, well-preserved architecture, smoked beer, Franconian wine and a picturesque countryside - it is easy to feel comfortable in there. The town was scarcely damaged during WWII and still retains many splendid mediaeval architectural features and over 3000 historical buildings. In 1993 Bamberg was awarded "World Heritage" status by UNESCO.