Lorenz von Bibra, Duke in Franconia was Prince-Bishop of the Bishopric of Würzburg from 1495 to 1519. His life paralleled that of Maximilian I (1459–1519), who ruled the Holy Roman Empire from 1493 to 1519, whom Lorenz served as an advisor.
Detail of tomb by Tilman Riemenschneider in Würzburg Dom (cathedral) (c. 1460 - July 7, 1531) in Würzburg Dom (cathedral)
Lorenz von Bibra's tomb by Tilman Riemenschneider
Lorenz von Bibra stained glass window at St. Leo's church in Bibra
Image by Johann Salver
Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg
The Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg was an ecclesiastical principality of the Holy Roman Empire located in Lower Franconia, west of the Prince-Bishopric of Bamberg. Würzburg had been a diocese since 743. As established by the Concordat of 1448, bishops in Germany were chosen by the canons of the cathedral chapter and their election was later confirmed by the pope. Following a common practice in Germany, the prince-bishops of Würzburg were frequently elected to other ecclesiastical principalities as well. The last few prince-bishops resided at the Würzburg Residence, which is one of the grandest Baroque palaces in Europe.
The Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg in the 18th century
Silver coin showing the effigy and coat of arms of Prince-Bishop Adam Friedrich von Seinsheim (1764)
Prince-Bishop Rudolf von Scherenberg
Prince-Bishop Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn