Nuremberg (Nürnberg) woos visitors with its wonderfully restored medieval Altstadt, its grand castle and, in December, its magicalChristkindlmarkt (Christmas market).
The town played a key role during the Nazi years. It was here that the fanatical party rallies were held, the boycott of Jewish businesses began and the anti-Semitic Nuremberg Laws were enacted. After WWII the city was chosen as the site of the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi war criminals.
The city centre is best explored on foot but the Nazi-related sights are a tram ride away.
HauptmarktSQUARE
This bustling square in the heart of the Altstadt is the site of daily markets as well as the famous Christkindlsmarkt. At the eastern end is the ornate Gothic Frauenkirche (church). Daily at noon crowds crane their necks to witness the clock's figures enact a spectacle called the Männleinlaufen. Rising from the square like a Gothic spire is the sculpture-festooned Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain). Touch the golden ring in the ornate wrought-iron gate for good luck.
KaiserburgCASTLE
This enormous castle complex above the Altstadt poignantly reflects Nuremberg's medieval might. Don't miss a tour of the residential wing to see the lavish Knights' and Imperial Hall, a Romanesque double chapel and an exhibit on the inner workings of the Holy Roman Empire. This segues to the Kaiserburg Museum, which focuses on the castle's military and building history. Elsewhere, enjoy panoramic views from the Sinwell Tower or peer 48m down into the Deep Well.
Germanisches NationalmuseumMUSEUM
Spanning prehistory to the early 20th century, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum is the country’s most important museum of German culture. It features works by German painters and sculptors, an archaeological collection, arms and armour, musical and scientific instruments, and toys.
Memorium Nuremberg TrialsMEMORIAL
Göring, Hess, Speer and 21 other Nazi leaders were tried for crimes against peace and humanity by the Allies in Schwurgerichtssaal 600 (Court Room 600) of this still-working courthouse. Today the room forms part of an engaging exhibit detailing the background, progression and impact of the trials using film, photographs, audiotape and even the original defendants' dock. To get here, take the U1 towards Bärenschanze and get off at Sielstrasse.
ReichsparteitagsgeländeHISTORIC SITE
If you’ve ever wondered where the infamous black-and-white images of ecstatic Nazi supporters hailing their Führer were taken, it was here in Nuremberg. Much of the grounds were destroyed during Allied bombing raids, but enough remain to get a sense of the megalomania behind it, especially after visiting the excellent Dokumentationszentrum(Documentation Centre) served by tram 9 from the Hauptbahnhof.
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