It was first recorded in the chronicles of 889, during the reign of King Arnulf, the church being recognized by the influential bishopric of nearby Würzburg.

The town was the site of a tariff house of the dukes of Ansbach and in thrall until 1397 to the duchy in the south, during the reign of King Wenceslaus.

Today, Mainbernheim has a population of approximately 2200, the town having grown significantly due to new developments outside the city walls.

Also along the main street are the Rathaus (city hall, 1548) and the adjacent Lutheran parish church, built on the foundations of an earlier cathedral (1498) after the Protestant Reformation (1750–1778).

Off the main street, there is a recessed portal, which served as a hiding place for the Jews during the purges of World War II.