May 17: The Nuremberg Castle

At the Nuremberg Castle

Today the group toured the Old Town and Imperial Castle that looms above the city. As we walked up the long and steep stone path leading up to the structure, it was quite evident why this castle was not only built but has lasted so long. The castle is made almost completely out of stone and situated on a high  hill where you can see for miles over the German countryside, making it perfect for defenders to spot and ward off attackers. Historically the Imperial Castle was considered to be one of the most formidable medieval sites found in Europe and although historians and archeologists don’t know when it's construction first began, many point to sometime between 1050 and 1105. The castle was renovated and added onto extensively throughout the medieval period since it served every emperor of the Holy Roman Empire when they passed through Nuremburg, such as Emperor Friedrich III.




The Imperial Castle was heavily damaged by allied bombing during World War II, but the multiple buildings and sections such as the Heathen Tower, the deep well, and Emperors Chapel that made up the Imperial Castle were rebuilt as exact replicas and were in great condition. As the group moved through these buildings we could see not only breath taking view from the castle of Nuremburg and the German countryside, but the history and museums that were scattered throughout. There was a huge abundance of armor, weapons, clothing, and art from every time period since the structures construction.

Armor from the Castle's Museum

A Wound Chart from the Medieval Period

More specifically were the aspects of Christianity that could be seen in the culture from the 14^th century that showed just how every day people lived and how certain emperors ruled. What the group and myself found to be the most fascinating however was just how old the castle was. 

Inside the Castle's Walls

Although it was almost entirely destroyed during the Second World War, many parts were still quite intact and it was fascinating to see how such an old and immense structure was not only built by hand without the help of modern machinery but stood the ultimate test of time.

A Look at the Castle from its Tower

Following our visit to the castle, we walked back through the old town to our hostel, picked up our luggage, and headed back to the train station. The next stop on our itinerary: Salzburg, Austria.