Nuremberg - Sightseeings & Informations

Nuremberg is a city located in the center of Bavaria, on the banks of the Pegnitz River. The first mention of the city dates back to 1050, when it was called Norenberk. In 1167, the construction of the imperial castle began. In 1356, the Golden Bull decreed that every German king should spend the first day of his reign here, which immediately made the city one of the largest in Europe. In 1424, Emperor Sigismund decided that the treasures of the imperial crown should be kept in Nuremberg. They were kept here until 1796.

From 1525 Nuremberg became a major center of the Reformation. In the 16th century, the city reached its climax: it was a trade center, a crossroads of trade routes between Italy and the North, and, moreover, a university city. There was a flourishing both economically and culturally. After the Thirty Years War, the importance of Nuremberg began to decline.

By order of Napoleon in 1806, Nuremberg ceased to be imperial and became just a Bavarian city, and then the industrial revolution strengthened its role as a city of workers and commerce. When Hitler decided in 1933 to hold a convention of his party in Nuremberg, the city began a dark phase in its history. In January 1945, the city was 90% destroyed by bombing. It took 20 years and a lot of money for Nuremberg to regain its former appearance.

On the north side of the Old Town stands the mighty Nuremberg Castle. It is divided into three parts: the castle of the counts in the center, city buildings in the east and the Kaiser castle built in the 12th century in the west. All the kings and kaisers ruled from here from 1050-1571. All kinds of court, palace and state sessions were also held here.

Having descended a little from the height of the castle into the Old Town, you can see the rebuilt house of the famous Nuremberg resident, Albrecht Durer, in which he lived from 1509 until the last day of his life in 1528.

In the center of the Market Square, there is a well fountain decorated with a Gothic pyramid with 40 figures. Many people come here to spin the gilded ring on the fountain fence for good luck. The eastern part of the square is occupied by the Church of the Virgin Mary, famous for its 15th century altar. Not far from the Market Square are the churches of St. Sebald and St. Lawrence with many priceless works of art.

The city has many museums: the German National Museum, the Museum of Crafts, the Transport Museum, the Toy Museum. In the west of the Old Town is the building of the Palace of Justice. Here, in Hall 600, the trial of Nazi criminals took place. Behind this building is the house where they were held in custody awaiting sentencing.