Nuremberg, Germany

This castle was built on castle rock and its silhouette has become a Nuremberg landmark. It was first documented as a royal residence in 1050. The royal connection, coupled with its position at the crossroads of important highways, caused the town to prosper. It became a major junction for trade and finance, and for a time was one of the centers of the empire. In 1340, the town hall replaced the castle as the administrative center. The royals moved to more comfortable accommodation and an epidemic in town finally sealed the castle's fate. The castle and grounds are undergoing repairs but are open to the public.

Burgverwaltung Nürnberg, Auf der Burg 17, D-90403 Nürnberg, Phone: +49-91-12-44-65-90

At 48m long, the Weinstadel, translated 'Wine steward', is the largest half-timber building in Germany. There are two half-timber floors above a brick foundation and ground floor, and three further floors in the saddle roof. It was constructed in 1446 and for more than a century was used for only three days a year, during Holy Week, to feed and house lepers. In the late 16th century, it was used as a hospital and a home for artisans and indigent families. The ground floor was used to store wine, hence the name. Since 1950 it has been a student dormitory. It is a photogenic subject in all seasons.

The medieval tanners who worked with white leather lived in this neighborhood in old town Nuremberg. The half-timber homes each had gardens and their own wells which bears testimony to the wealth created by this niche trade. More than 20 of the houses escaped the bombing of World War II and form the largest and best preserved ensemble of artisan houses in the city. The street has been made into a pedestrian mall and the houses have become cafés, bars, boutiques and specialty shops.

Dürer is Germany's most famous painter. He lived in this massive half-timbered house from 1509 until his death in 1528. Nuremberg was in its heyday and the city attracted many artists. As early as 1675, the significance of the house was recognized and efforts were made to preserve it. In 1828 it became one of the first memorials to an artist, in the world. The Dürer Room contains high quality copies of his works. Tours are led by an actress posing as his wife, Agnes. Workshops on historical painting techniques are held at the house.

Albrecht-Dürer-Straße 39, 90403 Nürnberg, Phone: +49-91-12-31-25-68

Hitler declared Nuremberg as the 'City of Rallies' in 1933. Eleven square kilometers were set aside for facilities. As self-appointed 'Builder-in-Chief', he oversaw the minutiae of the planning process but delegated construction to architect, Albert Speers in 1934. World War II put a stop to construction and few of the elements of this intended showcase of his power and support were completed. A two kilometer long parade avenue, and grounds with towers and ramparts, were never completed. A model of an amphitheater capable of seating 400000 was constructed. The gigantic ruins remain as testament to the megalomania that ended in catastrophe.

Until 1332, the Old City Hall was known as the Bread Hall where bakers made and sold their wares. During the conversion, earth was piled up around the ground floor, turning it into a cellar. This was done to neutralize the threat of floods. The cellar became the city's interrogation center and a prison for those awaiting execution. There are 12 small cells and a torture chamber in the medieval dungeon. When the Ehrenhalle (Hall of Honor) was renovated in 2017, the guided media tours were revised. There are five tours a day in various languages. Children under 10 are not permitted.

Following the failed attempt at German unification in 1848, a group of individuals, led by Franconian Baron Hans von und zu Aufsess, established the Germanic Museum. The intention was to assemble a compendium of all things pertaining to the history and culture of the German-speaking world. Today, there are 1.3 million objects owned by the museum, 25000 of which are displayed in 23 collections. These include coins, paintings, documents, textiles and toys, many of which have been digitized. They provide a chronological overview from pre-history to the 20th century. The museum buildings themselves constitute a collection of structures from various eras.

Kartäusergasse 1, 90402 Nuremberg, Phone: +49-91-11-33-10

The Hospital of the Holy Spirit was the largest of its kind in medieval Nuremberg. It was funded by the biggest personal endowment in the Holy Roman Empire up until 1500. Imperial Mayor, Konrad Gross, had the hospital built in 1332 for the care of the elderly and the needy. Later it was extended over the river Pegnitz. It is best viewed and photographed from the north bank of the river. Part of the building is used as a retirement home. The restaurant on the premises is open to the public. It has a medieval atmosphere with candlelight and hunting trophies mounted on the walls.

Spitalgasse 16, 90403 Nürnberg, Phone: +49-09-11-22-17-61