The medieval German city where one of the world's most famous trials took place

There are places that remain forever etched in our memories even if we've never visited them. And this is what happens with Nuremberg , a city as historic as it is fascinating, despite also being one of Europe's great unknowns . Beyond tragically associating it with Nazism and the famous trials held there, many travelers probably wouldn't even know where to locate it. Ninety percent destroyed during World War II, the reconstruction of this German city is so perfect that walking through the streets of the medieval old town, among half-timbered houses and wrought-iron signs, it's easy to think we've stepped back in time.

The Imperial Fortress

There's no better representation of the Middle Ages than this castle, perched on a sandstone rock overlooking the northern part of the Old Town. It was built in the 11th century, although its current appearance dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The Kaiserburg housed kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire for five centuries and is now considered one of the most important castles , not only in Bavaria but in all of Germany. By the way, don't miss the views from the top of the keep, because they are truly breathtaking.

The medieval old town

At the foot of the castle lies a charming, perfectly reconstructed medieval town. The best plan is to stroll through the pedestrian areas of the center, lined with half-timbered houses with gabled roofs. Among the places not to be missed is the Market Square, home to the Beautiful Fountain (Schöner Brünnen), an impressive 19-meter-high Gothic structure built in the 14th century. Incidentally, you can also discover another very unusual fountain, the Ehekarussell or Marriage Carousel , which depicts various scenes from married life, from the first romantic moments to boredom, making it a very popular tourist spot. It is located in a pedestrian zone in front of the White Tower.

And if you're a fan of religious heritage, there are a number of temples you can visit, such as the Gothic Church of Our Lady of Nuremberg , the Church of St. Lawrence , or the Church of St. Sebaldus.

A rebuilt city

Despite having been magnificently rebuilt, the city chosen by Hitler as the ideological capital of Nazism cannot hide the magnitude of the bombings it suffered at the end of World War II, something that does not go unnoticed in the impressive walls dotted with round towers or in the alleys of the old town.

Another good plan is to set aside a couple of hours to explore some of the banks of the Pegnitz , a river that crosses the city from west to east and where you'll find numerous boutiques and typical German taverns.

The most charming area of ​​Nuremberg

To enjoy one of Nuremberg's most picturesque spots, head to Weißgerbergasse , a neighborhood built near the Pegnitz River (a little away from the Old Town) where you'll find numerous houses dating back to the Middle Ages that were fortunate enough to have escaped Allied bombing. Many of these brightly colored half-timbered dwellings house craft shops and bars.

The Handwerkerhof craft market

This is another must-see place you should visit. Located southeast of the Old Town walls, although it has a touristy feel, it's a picturesque and very charming place. Of course, in addition to taking advantage of the opportunity to do some shopping, you're sure to find time to enjoy a Bavarian beer and a plate of typical Nuremberg sausages .

The Palace of Justice Museum

You may not have chosen this destination because of its history, but you definitely shouldn't miss this visit, even though it's certainly not one of the most fun places in the city. This museum is where the famous Nuremberg Trials were held, where Nazi officials and criminals were tried between November 1945 and October 1946.

And if you want to delve deeper into the events of this tragic period, you can visit the Documentation Zentrum , a museum dedicated to the history of Nazism, which commemorates the atrocities committed by the Third Reich.