EPIC MEDIEVAL LANDMARKS TO SEE
As one of the designated stops on our river cruise through Germany, I spent a day in Nuremberg, a city in Bavaria of abundant medieval charm which I found absolutely delightful to explore.
Firstly we embarked on a guided walking tour with a local Nurnberger, through the old town, early in the morning, which took us to the Imperial Castle and nearby locations.
After the tour, we continued with our own explorations, of city streets, squares and the river, discovering many more interesting gems.
A Bit About Old Town Nuremberg
Nuremberg old town is lovely with much to see and enjoy in a day. Most of the precinct has cobblestoned roads and is predominantly pedestrianised. There is a plethora of medieval landmarks to visit within easy walking distance of each other. Most notable is the traditional architecture called Fachwerk, a heritage style of build, famous throughout may parts of Germany, displaying half-timbered houses above red-sandstone bricks below.
The most famous street is probably where there is a large ensemble of these old heritage houses, Weissgerber Street.
We didn’t venture out of the old town, as we only had a day at our disposal. I’m a big fan of medieval architecture and history, so I was more than happy to spend my time wandering and exploring this absolutely delightful area.
It is interesting to note many historical buildings here were substantially destroyed during WWII, and have been magnificently restored to their original form.
Brief History Of Nuremberg
For centuries, Nuremberg had been at the centre of German and European history. It was one of the most powerful imperial cities of the Holy Roman Empire. It grew into one of Europe’s largest trade and economic hubs of Europe by the 1500’s.
Nuremberg Imperial Castle
We started our visit of Nuremberg at the Imperial Castle, Kaiserburg, a medieval highlight and the most iconic and prominent landmark of the city for its historical significance. The hilltop castle had been the prime residence of Holy Roman Emperors and German Kings.
The impressive castle and medieval walls of the city were constructed from 12th to 16th century, and encircled the old town, a length of about 5km, and today 3.5km remain. The whole town was a fortress, until the mid 1800’s when part of the walls began to be demolished and others were partly destroyed during war.
It’s quite amazing to see the historic defensive walls, including towers, gates and a dry moat surrounding the perimeter, remain well preserved. Now, there are walking paths and gardens all around the walls.
The courtyards inside the castle complex are free to enter.
The Castle Museum, Chapel, and Towers require a ticket to access.
Sinwell Tower
Sinwell Tower, Sinwellturm, stands on a huge natural sandstone rock, built in the 13th century as a defensive keep, the tower is approximately 41 metres above the fortress walls and panoramic views of the town are seen from the top.
Museum & Chapel
Inside the Castle Museum is an extensive collection of traditional weapons, armour and equipment used in medieval fighting. The Museum centres on the Castle’s history and Castle life.
The Romanesque Chapel is a double chapel with upper and lower levels.
Terrace
I was enthralled with the wonderful panoramic views from the terrace outside the main entrance of the Imperial Castle. At no cost the large terrace provides an epic vantage point to take in the scenery of red-topped roofs, historic buildings and church spires. We spent quite a bit of time here taking it all in.
Tiergartnertorplatz Square
Just below the castle in the old town is Tiergartnertorplatz, a vibrant square giving fairytale vibes. The square takes its name from the tower, a medieval gate tower from 13th century, which formed part of the defensive walls.
I love the iconic half-timbered houses with criss-cross beams, typical of German towns. This style of buildings are called Fachwerk architecture.
Here at the square are House of Pilate, Albrecht Dürer House Museum (famous German artist), and Burgher House.
I noticed the detailed statue of St George and the Dragon on the corner of House of Pilate, built in 1489 for a wealthy merchant and armorer, which probably advertised his trade.
Hauptmarkt Square
Centrally located is Hauptmarkt, the main market square in the old town, where people gather for events and markets. It has been the heart of trade since medieval times.
Schoner Brunnen Fountain
One of the main features here is the Schöner Brunnen, a beautiful fountain which attracts a lot of attention, with a 14th century Gothic spire and colourful medieval figures of philosophers and religious figures.
Frauenkirche Church of Our Lady
The Hauptmarkt is also the location of Frauenkirche, Church of Our Lady, built in 1300’s in Gothic architectural style. A mechanical clock high up on the gable above the main door performs at noon, but the figures are a little too small to see properly.
Other Medieval landmarks in Old Town Nuremberg
St Sebaldus Church
Near the main square, in front of old City Hall, is St Sebaldus Church, Sebalduskirche, originally constructed in the 1200’s, in Romanesque Gothic style. Named after the patron saint of Nuremberg, it is one of the most important landmarks of the city.
Open to visit, for a small fee.
Old Town Hall
The palatial Old Town Hall, Altes Rathaus, blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles, and is located at Rathausplatz.
One of the most important buildings of old town Nuremberg, built in the 1300’s, it once boasted the largest Ceremonial Hall in the country. Visitors can see the opulent hall and exhibits. But the biggest attraction here is the Lochgefängnisse Prison, the underground medieval dungeons, which were used as torture chambers.
People can visit this historical museum with a guide only.
Zeughaus
This interesting building with distinctive green copper onion domes caught my eye. Located in Pfannenschmiedsgasse Street of the old town is the historic Zeughaus, a former armoury, which currently houses a police station. Typical of Renaissance architecture it was originally built in 16th century and played a crucial role in the city’s defence and military history.
The Zeughaus is not open to visitors.
Historic Art Bunker
The Historischer Kunstbunker is found in the ancient bedrock, 24 metres under Nuremberg Castle, which is an extensive rock-cut tunnel complex of vaults and corridors.
Originally the bunker was used as medieval beer cellars. Later, they were converted into a bomb-proof shelter to protect priceless artworks and cultural treasures during World War II. The works all survived the heavy raids intact.
You can visit and take a guided tour of the Historic Art Bunker at Obere Schmiedgasse.
Chamber of Commerce Building
St Lorenz Church
Fembo House
Nassau House
Mauthalle
Mauthalle, on Hallplatz, is another beautiful medieval structure of Gothic architecture. The huge building with a gable roof caught my attention as I wandered around town.
Originally built as a large grain store in the 1500’s to provide food to the city, then later used as a custom’s house. Now, it’s a restaurant, brewery and offices.
Pegnitz River
The Pegnitz River flows through Nuremberg with many bridges crossing over it, which mostly date from Medieval times.
Walking along the river and over the bridges, I admired the tranquility and beauty of the waterway.
I was fascinated by the historic hospital building constructed partly over the water, with the river flowing beneath. And the little Love Island where the river forks in two, is a cute spot you can access.
The Oxen Portal is a delightful gateway with an ox sculpture above, part of the Meat Bridge (Fleisch).
Other Cool Things To Visit
Other cool landmarks in the heart of the city:
- The Ship Of Fools monument, an interesting sculpture depicting a ship as a symbol for a planet on the verge of extinction. Built in the 1980’s, this bronze artwork is located not far from Museum Bridge in the old town.
- Bratwursthausle is the oldest restaurant in the city, serving traditional German bratwurst sausages for 700 years, near the main square.
Interesting landmark outside the city centre:
- Nuremberg Palace of Justice is home to the Memorium Nürnberger Prozesse, a museum about the historic Nuremberg Trials of Nazi leaders from WWII, in the building where they were tried for the crimes committed, and even the courtroom where proceedings occurred. Located approximately 3km from the city centre, many people visit the memorial on the top floor, however, I chose not to.
Sundials Of Nuremberg
A fascinating feature I noticed whilst admiring the ancient landmarks around the old town are the artistic sundials on the exterior of some buildings.
The reason for these installations is so citizens and traders in the past could tell the time using the sun, like early wall clocks.
You can see them in my photos of Fembo House and Nassau House.
Handy Travel Links
- Nuremberg tourist info – for events and festivals
- Nuremberg City Card – get access to tourist sites
- VGN Trains – public transport
- Bimmelbahn Mini Tourist Train – ride around town
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I haven’t been back to Nuremberg for years, though loved exploring the old town on previous visits to a friend there. There’s so much history here that is well worth exploring.
What a wonderful collection of old buildings – oh the tales they have to tell!