Nuremberg attracts a surge of history aficionados owing to its remarkable past. The Lady Nightwatchman tour gives you a detailed as well as dramatic look into those times. The tour starts at the Schöner Brunnen and your guide is a conspicuous lady dressed in a cloak with a winding horn fastened at her waist. She begins narrating interesting stories from Nuremberg's past and infuses energy into the the group through her humor. As the lady nightwatchman walks around gripping a halberd in one hand and an archaic lantern in another, never breaking character, you realize how authentic the tour is and that it's presented with utmost passion.
You'd be forgiven for thinking that you have stepped into the past when you walk down the Weißgerbergasse (Leather Craftsmen's Lane). This charming little cobbled lane is home to a row of 22 former artisans' houses, which are made of stone and decorated by timber beams. Be sure to have a more detailed look at the individual houses, for their exterior hides a host of treasures that are lost in the overall picture. Number 25, for example, has a picturesque protruding bay window. Today, the Weißgerbergasse houses several restaurants, bars and independent shops apart from the houses.
The St. Lawrence's Church can be seen even from afar. Its twin towers and the beautiful rosette that decorates its exterior is unmistakable. Dating back to 1477, the church survived the Second World War in a better state than its sister, St. Seebald ( St.-Sebaldus-Kirche), but the main part of the structure was destroyed. The priceless works of art in the church had all been moved elsewhere for safekeeping. There are many stunning features to be admired in the interiors but the Engelsgruss (Angel's Greeting) is perhaps the most famous work of art in the church. It was carved out of wood by Veit Stoss between 1516 and 1520 and is his principal work. Another well-known part of the church's interior is the tabernacle made by Adam Kraft. The tabernacle is 20 meters (65.61 feet) high and at its foot kneels a pious Kraft, holding the tools of his trade. The square in front of the church is full of life during the day.
Explore the fascinating history of railways, right from their invention in 1919. Not only does the museum cover the transformation of trains from simple, coal and steam locomotives to the modern trains now but one can even see the impact trains made on various aspects of society including political, economical and cultural changes. The museum also has separate sections for vehicles of the 19th and the 20th century. Children also have something in store for them, as they learn in fun, enjoyable ways the history and working of trains. If you want a good, informative dose of history, the DB Museum Nürnberg can cater to your needs.
This is one of the city's oldest churches. It was named after the hermit St. Seebald, who came to Nuremberg in the 11th century and built a small chapel, St. Peter's chapel, on the same site as the one on which the church is built today. The building of the present church commenced in the early 13th century when architects crafted two elegant towers that both reach a height of 79 meters (259.18 feet). Originally, the church was surrounded by a cemetery but in 1518, the city council decreed that henceforth no one was allowed to be buried in the old town anymore. The tomb of St. Seebald contains the remains of the Saint and is perhaps the most important part of the church's wonderful interior. His memorial was cast in brass by Peter Vischer and is surrounded by sculptures of saints and animals. Among the other works of religious art to be admired are the stained glass windows. Rebuilding the St. Seebald after the Second World War was a long and costly process. Concerts are held here regularly throughout the year.
The steeple-like Schöner Brunnen rises 19 meters (62.33 feet) above the Hauptmarkt from its octagonal basin. It is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century and is adorned with figures grouped into four tiers, each carrying its own meaning. The lattice-ironwork was added in the 16th century, and brass rings which can be turned, an action considered to bring good fortune, are also found here.
Founded almost three decades ago, the innovative Pocket Opera Company is the oldest independent opera company in the country. Known for its productions of little-known pieces like The Vampire and Geierwally, the name 'pocket opera' was chosen to represent the company's unconventional way of doing things. Richard Wagner's epic Ring, for example, was performed in just one evening! The venues are also unconventional: Unreported Inbound Palermo was performed in an airport; another piece was shown in a bank. The company regularly appears at festivals at home and abroad.
The Little Neunhofer Castle was built in the 15th century and is today looked after by the Germanic National Museum (Germanisches Nationalmuseum). It was once the home of the Patrician family and the castle and grounds are today ranked as one of the foremost examples of Patrician Houses in Nuremberg and the surrounding area. The two towers which are the castle's main features date from 1503 and the interior hints at the rich and opulent life once enjoyed by the Patricians living in the countryside. The splendid kitchen and small church are also worth investigating.The fabulous grounds include baroque gardens, which date from a later period. The Neunhofer is best reached by car.
Kongresshalle is one of the important historical monuments of Germany. Now a music hall, it houses the talented and gifted Nürnberger Symphoniker. Apart from hosting concerts, it also doubles-up as practice space for orchestra. When in Nürnberg, do drop-in for a soulful and musical evening.
Founded in 1132-1133 CE by Saint Otto of Bamberg, Heilsbronn Abbey was one of the wealthiest monasteries of Germany. It flourished until the Reformation when in 1530 it became a Protestant school for princes and doctrines of Luther. After five succeeding abbots, in 1631 Heilsbronn ceased to be an abbey. Most of the buildings of the monastery have disappeared with the exception of Münster Heilsbronn, the magnificent Romanesque basilica restored between 1851 and 1866. The church possesses beautiful paintings of the renowned painter, print-maker and theorist of the German Renaissance, Albrecht Dürer.
Haus der Freimaurerloge or the House of the Masonic Lodge is a prominent attraction in the city and features a magnificent off-white facade adorned with beautiful sculptures. The interiors of the Haus der Freimaurerloge is just as impressive and frequently hosts local and cultural events. It also functions as a wonderfully inventive dinner theater. The place is often filled with an air of luxurious charm and a classy crowd.
Merks Motor Museum is a fantastic motor museum with a large collection of vintage European automobiles, motorbikes and cycles. Along with motor vehicles they also have a lovely collection of antiques like old phones, typewriters, radio receivers and televisions.