Nuremberg, situated in Bavaria in southern Germany, has long been a center for trade and commerce since medieval times. Today, its castle, churches and distinctive half-timbered middle class houses still make this city memorable.
Jackson devised a framework to prevent defendants from invoking tu quoque or collective guilt arguments during trial proceedings, sparking some disagreement amongst judges.
Old Town
Nuremberg was one of Europe’s richest medieval towns during this era, and as such built numerous impressive structures with this wealth. These structures include an Old Town Wall as well as some of its 128 original city gates like Spitteltor, Neutor, Konigstor and Tiergartnertor that still stand today.
One of the best places to take in these historic structures is at Nuremberg’s Old Town Hall, or Rathaus. This building was first constructed during 13th-century construction but has undergone renovation in both 16th and 17th-century periods.
Schlayerturm was an iconic tower built in the 15th century that stood on an island in the river to divide two sections of town, offering visitors and photographers alike an ideal photo op. Now a picturesque photo spot, visitors often come here.
Once, this watchtower served to protect the city against flooding caused by overflow of Pegnitz River and also as a watchtower to safeguard it.
The Old Town is an ideal spot for shopping, as its ornate shops and boutiques sell everything from jewelry to clothing. There are also numerous places offering quick bites such as Nurnberger Bratwurst at any one of its local eateries.
Karolinenstrasse is the main shopping street in Old Town. At 300-meters-long pedestrian, this 300-meter-long shopping strip houses fashion designers, sports stores and department stores – as well as several restaurants and bars such as Katz for an Aperol Spritz or glass of wine while people-watching on Hans Sachs Platz.
If you want a souvenir with more thought behind it than just a T-shirt or mug, visit Handwerkerhof in Old Town. Once used as a defensive courtyard against attack from Frauentor in Medieval times, today it showcases local artisans and craftspeople.
The Rally Grounds
Albert Speer was Hitler’s chief architect and was responsible for designing the Rally Grounds of Nuremberg to an exceptional level. This site hosted Nazi propaganda shows to persuade public support of Third Reich ideology. Without professional guidance or preparation this can be an emotionally charged experience; with pro tips from an experienced tour guide it should not be missed when visiting Nuremberg city itself.
Kongreshall or Congress Hall was constructed for two primary purposes – hosting Nazi Party Rallies and housing members of KdF (National Socialists). Furthermore, this massive structure housed wooden exhibition halls where regional products would be showcased, recreational events held, as well as recreation facilities available to workers to use during their free time.
Alongside the Kongreshall was an enormous open field used for parades and sports events during Nazi party rallies: Zeppelinfeld Parade Field measured approximately 10 modern football fields and took its name after one large Zeppelin successfully landed there back in 1909.
On September 12th 1938, this is where the well-known Nazi propaganda show, the Triumph of the Will, took place. Intended to demonstrate German power while simultaneously showing its international audience just what power Germany wielded against them, this event became an emotional spectacle meant to promote Nazi Germany.
American engineers later destroyed the stone swastika that had graced its main entrance with explosives after the victory parade of 1945, thus opening up access for visitors and providing one wing housing the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds as an excellent museum dedicated to this area’s history; an interim exhibit is available while permanent displays undergo renovation – making this stopover essential for understanding Germany during the 1930s and 1940s.
The Hauptmarkt
The Hauptmarkt (Market Square) is one of the city’s most visited hotspots, boasting numerous stalls selling fresh produce and treats from Monday through Saturday with additional markets taking place seasonally.
At the heart of Nuremberg lies its main market square: Hauptmarkt. Here you’ll find two iconic landmarks – Frauenkirche and Beautiful Fountain, an integral symbol of Nuremberg – as well as Germany’s famed Christmas Market; an experience not to be missed for holiday travelers!
This square is home to some notable historic buildings, including Lorenzkirche and Sebalduskirche – both designated UNESCO World Heritage sites – as well as the 350-year old Academy of Fine Arts.
The Hauptmarkt has an expansive and fascinating history, making it a cornerstone of Berlin’s heritage and an enormous tourist draw. A popular meeting spot, its square is host to events and festivals throughout the year such as Christkindlesmarkt or concerts on its stage.
Nuremberg became famous during Nazi rule as the host city for large Nazi Party rallies held annually from 1927 through 1938, film by famed propagandist Leni Riefenstahl depicting these propaganda events. However, Adolf Hitler changed their format, now addressing crowds outside rather than inside of town hall.
In 1946, historic city hall buildings were devastated in an air raid from Allied air forces and rebuilt between 1956 and 1962 by architects commissioned to preserve their architectural ensemble while creating modern yet communicative administrative spaces. To achieve this aim, spaces were restructured to form larger and more functional areas, and bridges were added between existing buildings reminiscent of wooden arcades found on traditional Nuremberg homes.
Nuremberg is a city of contrasts, and the Hauptmarkt is no different. From leisurely strolls through its picturesque streets to learning more about Nuremberg’s fascinating past – this popular destination has something special in store for everyone!
The Beer Cellars
Nuremberg boasts an outstanding underground attraction: rock-cut cellars (Felsengange). These tunnels were first established during the 14th century when city law (an ancestor to today’s Reinheitsgebot) required all breweries that produced beer to have cellars for fermentation and storage; local breweries dug into sandstone beneath their properties creating an extensive network of narrow tunnels stretching under much of Nuremberg’s old town.
Today, Felsengange are not only an integral part of local heritage but also an attractive tourist attraction. Visitors can take guided tours which include tasting small beers from a cellar. Tours begin in Brauereiladen Altstadthof – a brewery shop in an alley behind Old Town’s Altstadt – before the guide leads their group towards an entrance behind an Albrecht Durer sculpture and into tunnels behind it.
Once inside the tunnels you come upon a room that once served as a remand prison. Suspects and indictees were held here until their case could be heard; vaulted cells were just two metres by two metres and completely dark – you might feel unnerved when seeing torture implements like choking irons and stretching rods hanging from walls! Unfortunately this prison was demolished after World War II but many other cells remain preserved, now open as museums to the public.
The Felsengange are less terrifying than Hole Prisons but still make for an enjoyable underground excursion, especially after having had some beers beforehand. Finding an accessible bar for an initial beer tasting session is simple – and tasting more may just tempt you more! I tried Schanzenbrau Hell, an effortlessly drinkable medium-sweet pale lager which plays with peach and pineapple flavors against grassy bitterness; Lederer KulturBrauerei offered dark smoky lager that appeared stronger than expected (but wasn’t). I have yet to experience it myself but look forward to doing just that next time!