The city of Nürenberg has seen tumultuous and incredible history throughout its 950 years of existence. But, it never lost its romantic flair and today, it continues to attract heritage buffs, artistic souls, and foodies alike. People who have the chance to visit Nürenberg cannot help but be in awe with its historical landmarks, such as the walled Old Town and the Imperial Castle.
The city’s location also made this one of the key commercial hubs during the Middle Ages to this day. The rich heritage has remained to be felt and seen by its visitors. You can even drop by the museum featuring relics of the Nazi era to have a powerful and sobering experience.
Nürenberg is Bavaria’s second largest city right after Munich. The place is pleasant and warm, making it perfect for a holiday. Aside from the historical wonders dotting the Old Town, brace yourself for the rich culinary tradition of the area. Gingerbread and bratwurst or sausages are two delicacies that originated in this city.
During your visit to Nürenberg, below are the top attractions you shouldn’t miss seeing:
Kaiserburg Castle
Nürenberg’s Imperial Castle was among the most significant fortified imperial palaces of the old Holy Roman Empire. This stunning rocky structure is enveloped in legends, myths, and astounding history of pride and power. Regarded as a settlement during year 1,000, the current form of the castle was built during the 13th century during the settlement of Imperial Free City of Nürenberg. This was once called Luginsland Tower.
Weißgerbergasse
Weißgerbergasse is an attractive street filled with multi-colored and half-timber houses that many tourists never miss out every time they visit Nürenberg. This is now a popular place for relaxation if you are looking for a medieval landscape that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Lots of tradition and history is nestled in this street-wide housing ensemble, all of which are built in the same themes and height but with different styles. The true testimony of the craftsmanship and wealth of the medieval times in Nürenberg, these homes boast Rococo and Baroque additions together with some truly magnificent inner gardens.
Weinstadel
Weinstadel is your usual wine warehouse of medieval style. This is among the most crucial urban structures of the city found right in the center of the historical area. A great stop-off on Nürenberg’s Historical Mile, Weinstadel is situated on the side of the river, representing a masterpiece when it comes to traditional architecture as sandstone brick ground floors meet half-timber framed façade. This is the perfect epitome of pure beauty.
Albrecht Durer House
The house of the Middle Age graphic artist and painter Albrecht Durer was recently restored to become a museum dedicated to showcasing his work and life. His works are now presented in all corners of the world including money bills or chocolate bars. Durer is also popularly regarded for changing art history’s course in terms of perfection mania, meticulousness, and adding technology to engraving medium. This house with its timber frame now has engravings and sketches of Durer himself, making it a must-see attraction when you visit Nürenberg.
Nazi Party Rally Grounds
Nazi Party Rally Grounds is a monstrous structure that is remnant of the megalomania of the National Socialist regime as well as most of the materialization of Adolf Hitler’s ideological and architectural ideas in Nürenberg. This Congress Hall that remains unfinished serves as a vivid reminder of the era and covers 11 square kilometers that can accommodate 50,000 spectators. You can explore the grounds that represent one of the residual mass architectural pieces that remained intact after the Second World War. Among the 19th thematic exhibitions found on the site is “Fascination and Terror.”
Lorenz Church
A gothic masterpiece you will find right in the heart of Nürenberg is St. Lorenz Church. The previous imperial city was complete with the Church of St. Sebald. The place’s religious protector is Holy Lorenz and the church was built during 13 century, representing a serious heritage of Nürenberg’s protestant institutional and architectural greatness. It was not only the next century when the church choir was established after the completion of the building. However, the spectacular trading of ecumenical events and concerts remains a landmark for this stunning church.
Subterranean Town Hall Chambers
The city has an enthralling underground chamber, a labyrinth of corridor, dungeon, and rock that are impressive and definitely a place meant for adventurous tourists who visit Nürenberg. These passageways were formerly used as a jail for the prisoners with a death sentence and were waiting for their capital punishment. The tunnels are sinister and macabre complete with old torture rooms.
Zum Guldenen Stern
Considered as the world’s oldest bratwurst restaurant, the place has an unbeatable sausage tradition. Without boiling or precooking the meat in advance, fresh sausages are being grilled here right after special butchers marinate, smoke, and prepare them. Zum Guldenen Stern is the most popular restaurant in the city offering mouthwatering meals that looked like they came straight from the Middle Ages, done and handmade based on traditional recipes. The sausages and steaks have fasskraut on the side, a ready to serve and mild sauerkraut, freshly grated or creamed horseradish, and baked homemade potato salad.
Germanic Museum
Made particularly for hosting collections in relation to art, history, and culture, Germanic Museum is the biggest museum in its category. Serving as the home to more than 1.2 million objects related to the matter, the fabulous exhibitions include revolutionary works of famous Germanic figures such as Albrecht Durer up to ground-breaking scientific instruments such as musical instruments and telescopes.
The Hospital of the Holy Spirit
One of Middle Ages’ largest hospitals that remain standing to this day, The Hospital of the Holy Spirit was built around 1332 to 1339 by Konrad Gross, an affluent patrician with the purpose of looking after the elderly and needy. Also dubbed as the biggest private institution that was part of the Holy Roman Empire, the hospital is among the key structures of Nürenberg’s German tradition. The hospital almost turned into ashes during the Second World War but it was rebuilt during the 1950s and this structure is what people see today when they Nürenberg.
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