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| Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany |
Nuremberg is an historic city and home to 500,000 residents making it the second largest urban area in the Federal State of Bavaria. It stands on the Pegnitz River and the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal approximately 150 kilometres north-west of Munich. Nuremberg is one of Germany’s better known cities as it has long been a regional economic and cultural centre beginning with its early days as a major trade centre and later being considered as the ‘unofficial capital’ of the Holy Roman Empire. Later, in the 15th and 16th centuries, Nuremberg became the centre of the artistic and cultural movement known as the German Renaissance, and in more recent times, during the Second World War it was made famous by the huge Nuremberg Rallies of the Nazi Regime, and later as the centre of justice during the Nuremberg Trials. Through this whole period some aspects of the city’s behaviour have remained unchanged having always maintained an active approach to trade, commerce and industry. This has continued up to the present time with Nuremberg maintaining its reputation as a major toy manufacturer as well as being home to several major industrial and commercial organisations. Nuremberg lies at the centre of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region.
The Aldstadt, or Old Nuremberg which is divided in two by the River Pegnitz, stands at the centre of the city and is dominated by the city’s landmark, the Imperial Castle, or Kaiserburg. This area is surrounded by walls, moats and massive gates and towers, and contains what remains of the historic buildings and cobblestoned streets that survived or were rebuilt after the horrendous bombings of the Second World War.
The main historic attractions of the Aldstadt must start with the Kaiserburg or Nuremberg Castle, which was constructed and expanded from the 12th century onwards and stands high above the city on a steep sandstone rock. The castle is divided into three complexes, the Kaiserburg, Burgraves Castle and the Municipal Buildings of the Free City. These buildings also include the two court chapels, the Walburga Chapel, the Doppelkapelle or the chapel with two floors, and the Imperial Stables. Within the complex is the Kaiserburg Museum which displays historic weapons and relates the story of the castle. If you end up wandering around the fascinating cobblestoned streets of old Nuremberg keep your eyes out for some of the historic and ornate fountains such as the 14th century Schoner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) that stands in the Hauptmarkt, the Gansemannchenbrunnen (Goose Man Fountain) which was originally built in the 16th century and stands opposite the Rathaus and the Tugendbrunnen ( Fountain of Virtues) which was built in the 16th century and can be found in Lorenzer Platz.
There are many historic buildings in the Aldstadt including eight medieval churches starting from the 13th century Church of St. Lawrence which is considered to be one of the most important buildings in Nuremberg, the 13th century Church of St. Sebald with its distinctive twin towers is the city’s oldest parish church, in the cobblestoned Hauptmarkt is the 14th century Frauenkirche or Our Lady’s Church which was originally built as an Imperial Court Chapel, St. Clare’s Church which is Nuremberg’s first Gothic styled church, the 14th century St James’ Church, St Egidien’s Church, St Elizabeth’s Church and the Church of St Katherine which today has been preserved as a ruin and is used as a venue for numerous open air events!! Other examples of medieval buildings include the Nassau House which is one of the best preserved medieval tower-houses in Bavaria, and the Rathaus which stands opposite the Church of St Sebald and was modeled on an Italian palazzo design. It is an interesting building and underneath there remains the original medieval cells and torture chamber. In addition there is also the Hospital of the Holy Spirit which stands in the centre of the city on the banks of the River Pegnitz and was one of the largest hospitals of the Middle Ages and is today used as a senior citizens’ home, the 15th century Hangman’s Bridge, the 15th century Mauthalle or Toll House, the 15th century Unschlitthaus or Tallow House that was originally built as a corn store, and the Weinsradel or Wine Store which is one of Nuremberg’s most beautiful buildings!!
Nuremburg has many other important attractions to see such as the old half-timbered house of Albrecht Durer, who is Germany’s most famous artist of the German Renaissance period. This 15th century building can be found in the Tiergartnertorplatz and now contains a museum which shows all of the facets of Albrecht Durer’s life and his memorable artistic works. There is also the Spielzeugmuseum, or the Toy Museum, which of course is important to Nuremberg as it is a major toy manufacturer. The museum traces the history of toys from the medieval period. If museums are your thing, then Nuremberg is the place to visit as there are approximately 30 covering a huge variety of subject matter, however one you should not miss is the Germanisches Nationalmuseum or the Germanic National Museum, which is one of Europe’s largest and greatest museums!! Then there is the Tiergarten, Nuremberg’s Zoo, which is one of Europe’s most beautifully landscaped and largest, covering 60 hectares. For something a little different have a look at the Handwerkerhof or Crafts Yard, which is located right in the centre of the old town where it is possible to see traditional crafts being performed from glassmaking to gingerbread bakers.
More recent attractions include the Planetarium and the State Theatre which houses one of the largest stages in Germany. This huge entertainment complex is comprised of the Opera House, the adjacent Playhouse Theatre and the State Theatre. If you have an interest in the Second World War you must pay a visit to the Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds where the Nuremberg Rallies took place, and the Palace of Justice, where in Court Room 600 the Nuremberg trials took place.
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14 nights | Cruising through Europe has got to be the new way of travelling. For those that have done the tours or the independent travel, this has a lot to offer. From the moment you step on board and unpack, you don't have to touch anything heavier than your day pack and camera for the next fifteen days. ... |
Magnificent Europe - 15 Days
14 nights | Cruising through Europe has got to be the new way of travelling. For those that have done the tours or the independent travel, this has a lot to offer. From the moment you step on board and unpack, you don't have to touch anything heavier than your day pack and camera for the next fifteen days. ... |
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