Discovering Nuremberg
Imperial Castle
Nuremberg's hallmark, the Imperial Castle, crowns the hill above the old town. One of the most important imperial palaces of the Middle Ages, it was used between 1050 and 1571 by every emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Open to the public are the impressive residential and state rooms of the palace, the Romanesque double chapel, the Deep Well, the Sinwell Tower and an impressive collection of arms and military equipment.
Albrecht Dürer's House
The walk up to the house of Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) is worthwhile, if only for the sight of the handsome half-timbered building (erected ca. 1420) on the prettiest square in Nuremberg. Feel free to step inside Dürer's house and into his life. In the screening room, the multivision show "Albertus Durer Noricus" introduces the world and the work of Germany's great Renaissance artist. In the workshop, modern day craftspeople demonstrate the techniques Dürer used to produce new prints - motifs on the relief printing press. In the new gallery on the top floor, excerpts from Dürer's graphic ouevre are on rotational view, while the rooms downstairs focus on life and work in Dürer's day, ca 1500. Mistress Agnes Dürer (an actress, of course!) welcomes visitors to the house and talks about everyday life in her husband's day - per headset in German, English, French, Italian and Japanese and sometimes also "in person" in English, every Saturday at 2 pm.
Beautiful Fountain
The richly painted "beautiful fountain" was erected ca 1385-96 by master builder Heinrich Beheim. The form is reminiscent of a Gothic church spire. Emerging from the octagonal water basin, a three-tiered stone pyramid soars 19 m upward to end in a cruciform finial. Its 40 sculptured figures reflect the world-view of the Holy Roman Empire: below, philosophy and the seven liberal arts; above them the four Evangelists and the four Church Fathers. In the middle: the seven electors and Nine Worthies. Above: Moses and seven prophets. The wrought-iron grille (1587) was the work of Paulus Kühn of Augsburg. The fabled (and often replaced) brass ring is to be found on the southwest flank of the fountain. Only fragments of the original soft sandstone survive (now in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum). The shelly limestone copy dates from 1897-1902.
Hangman's Bridge
There has been a wooden footbridge here since 1457. From the 16th to 19th century, the tower and the covered battlement walk over the Pegnitz housed the hangman, hence the name. After the flood of 1595, three arches of the wall bridging the southern arm of the Pegnitz were torn down and replaced by the wooden, tile-roofed Henkersteg (reconstructed, 1954). The executioner was obliged to live within the city ”in seclusion“, since his job was regarded as ”dishonorable“. Until the Age of Enlightenment, people avoided any kind of physical contact with the hangman for fear of ”contamination“ and, consequently, exclusion from Christian fellowship.
St. Lawrence’s Church, Protestant Lutheran
Building commenced in 1250: Primarily built as a three quire high church basilica. The west transept was subsequently enlarged in the late Gothic style with splendid gargoyles, portals and rosette windows. The two steeples have a height of 80 and 81 metres. The church is filled with important artworks and artefacts. "The Angel's Greeting" from Veit Stoss, 1518, the Tabernacle from the master craftsman Adam Kraft 1496, an altar from the Middle Ages, along with numerous epitaphs and stunning stained-glass windows.
Nuremberg Zoo
Heinz Sielmann (Wildlife Film Director & Cinematographer) described the Nuremberg Zoo as the most beautifully landscaped zoo in Europe. The zoo, with its natural rock habitats and wooded areas, is home for approximately 2,000 animals; some 300 species from all over the world provide year round enjoyment. With their playfulness the Dolphins and Californian sea lions guarantee an unforgettable experience in the only Dolphinarium in southern Germany.
ACTIVITIES IN NUREMBERG
All about events in Nuremberg and its surrounding. Nuremberg is always worth a visit!
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RECOMMENDED LINKS
Here you'll find a couple of interesting links.
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