The Frauenkirche, Church of Our Lady, is a stunning Gothic church. However a brutal past lies…read moreburied beneath its foundation. The Gothic church was built by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV between 1352 to 1362. The church was constructed directly on the ruins of one of Nuremberg's main Jewish synagogues. During the Black Death in 1349, a brutal pogrom was orchestrated to remove Nuremberg's medieval Jewish quarter. The local community wanted the prized area for a new marketplace. They petitioned and were granted legal immunity to demolish the Jewish ghetto and confiscate the space. Over 500 Jewish residents were massacred. Homes destroyed. The local Jewish synagogue torn down to rubble. A thriving Jewish neighborhood erased almost overnight. The Holy Roman Emperor then commanded that this church be constructed on the site. A reminder of Imperial and Christian dominance. One of the most notable features of the church is the Männleinlaufen (little men's procession). This mechanical clock commemorates the Golden Bull of 1356. The clock mechanism is activated at midday, when a bell is rung to start the sequence and is followed by the trumpeters and drummer. Then a procession of the electors marches around the figure of the Holy Roman Emperor. Although the church itself is stunning, the history is dark. It stands as a sober reminder of how medieval politics, plague scapegoating and the Holy Roman Emperor collided to change the course of history in Nuremberg. Hundreds of years later, Nuremberg again was the center of history again.

I am not going to go through the history and facts of the church. Clearly another example of…read moreNuernberg's rich history as a medieval city. What makes this church stand out is the fact that it overlooks the main market place with it's many fruit and veggie stands, most with locally grown produce. Of course there are also food trucks and household wares to be had. The market place turns into a giant Christkindl Market and at its opening the Christkindl (which by the way is a Christmas angel - child of Christ) stands atop the church balcony and officially opens the Christkindl Market with a speech and blessings. Definitely worth attending, if you can squeeze in somehow, because be aware that it will be super crowded. Just before 12 noon you will see crowds gather looking up towards the top of the church. They are all waiting for the "Maennleinlaufen" were the figures start moving and the electors turn and face the Roman emperor. There are also musician figures that move as if playing their instruments.

What a beautiful church! We stumbled across this church as we were driving around looking at the…read morecity. We found parking nearby and decided to wander in. This gorgeous church was built in the 1200s. It was decorated beautifully with trees for Christmas. It was quite cold inside as it was a cool day, and there is definitely no heat. However, that somehow adds to the charm. It is quite interesting that on the site of the church there was a chapel around 1070. It's amazing to know that there has been some type of religious building on this site for almost 1000 years. It puts your time on this planet into perspective very quickly. The church is free to enter, but they do suggest donations and there is a collection bowl near the entrance. If you are close by, I would definitely suggest a visit as it is definitely beautiful.

Amazing church built in the 1200s! You can freely walk inside, but donations are suggested. Amazing…read morelooking structure!

One of my favorite churches in Nuernberg. I believe it is also the largest. I'm not going to state…read moreall the history and facts about this church, others have already done so. Just one little anecdote that always amuses me is that the builders could not agree on the style of the towers and this is why each tower is different. A feud that is permanently displayed on the towers of a church no less... Anyway, take a close look at this church both inside and out. There are so many details to see, that even after years coming here, I still seem to discover new details. A must see for sure.

This is the largest church in Nuremberg. To my surprise, I thought I was entering in a Catholic…read moreGothic style church (built circa 1250) to find out it was a Lutheran one. In any case, amazing church with so much art to see in just an hour I spent there (I was with a colleague and did not want to spend the usual amount of time I would do in this type of sacred buildings with so many details and art in every corner). I can't believe it was bombarded during WWII, then rebuilt with great effort. The stained glass art is amazing and I was happy to see that during our visit it was an exhibit about the artist who created all of them originally. It was a very well paid 2 euros visit (I dont like to pay to enter in a church, I am more pro-donations, but still it was worth it). One suggestion is that I would prefer not to have a gift shop inside the church. That devalue both the religious experience and the artistic value, converting the whole thing in a theme park. That is the only part I disliked during my visit as well as the attitude of the young girl that was collecting the money...I got confused of door of our way out and she started yelling at me: no, not there, stop stop...which made me feel weird. Anecdotes apart, a must visit.

Funny how folks seem to be surprised how busy this square is. It is Nuremberg's Main market Square…read more Throughout the year it is mostly a farmer's market, but also has some local craft vendors and some food trucks/stands. You have your locals shopping for fresh produce and the tourists for souvenirs. In the wintertime, the entire place transforms into one of Germany's most famous Christkindl Markets. If you are there on opening day, you can watch the Christkindl stand high on a balcony of the Frauenkirche, she gives a speech and officially opens up the Christkindlmarket. During said market, you can purchase ay and all things German Christmas. From beautiful blown glass ornaments, to traditional Zwetschgenmaennle (little people made from dried prunes and other dried fruits). Don't forget to drink some Gluehwein, Germany's traditional hot mulled wine. It's sold on every corner of the market and the entire area smells like it. Year around main attractions besides the shopping would be the Frauenkirche on one side and the Schoenner Brunnen on the other end. The Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady), Gothic brick built around 1350 is famous for it's Maennleinlaufen at high noon every day. Some may feel it's not all that, but considering this clock was installed in 1509 and has been working ever since, well, I say that is impressive. It starts by the individual musicians playing their instruments and is followed by seven electors marching around Emperor Karl lV, each turns to the emperor to greet him. The Schoenner Brunnen originally built around 1390 is worth seeing by any means. It is surrounded by a wrought iron fence. Within this fence is a brass ring, which you must turn for good luck. Of course there is a legend that goes with this, but I'm not telling it here. The market place is also surrounded by various shops and restaurants. Check it out and experience and important part of Nuremberg.

We had free time after visiting the castle. The central square is a busy place even during the…read moreweek. Lots if shopping for souvenirs like coco clocks and nutcrackers. Produce vendors with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as a huge selection of dried fruits and some salami. Food vendors of assorted cuisines of sushi, gyros and Mediterranean food. Also many restaurants on the lined the outer perimeter. We shopped some and enjoyed some beer!

This stunning church is Nuremberg's oldest parish Church, and contains the relics of the 8th…read moreCentury St Sebaldus, patron saint of Nuremberg. Begun in 1225 in a late transitional Romanesque style (elaborate capitals under early pointed arches), the choir was rebuilt on a grand scale in the 14th Century and the tall towers added in the 15th. The choir is a lovely example of a Hall Church, where the aisles are as high as the main nave or choir vault. Badly damaged in World War II, it has been sensitively restored. The interior is blessed with some notable mediaeval alter pieces, but the highlight is the 16th Century casket and shrine to St Sebald himself. The windows have done lively mediaeval glass. The church is now part of the Lutheran denomination with regular services and concerts.