Adventures in Germany: Tuesday in Nuremberg

Oberlandesgericht in Nuremberg

Our day began with a drive to Nurmenberg to the Palace of Justice, known especially as the site of the Nuremberg Trials following WWII. Initially, other sites were considered including a site in Poland and one in Berlin. Eventually the Oberlandesgericht Nuremberg was chosen because it was largely intact from bombing and had a large prison attached.

We then took the subway to central Nuremberg and walked to the Nürnberger Burg. As one enters the walls one encounters the Albrecht Dürer house just inside the gate. Dürer was an exceptional artist and thinker who spent time with the likes of Melanchton and other great thinkers of his time. He was a pioneer in art and is credited with being the first to do a self portrait or depict natural subjects in detail. The tour is delightful and available in English.

Albrecht Dürer House

The house has been used in many ways over the centuries since Dürer lived there, but many artifacts still remain. He was, to say the least, an industrious and inventive artist concerned with both art and science. He undertook to write a text book outlining his methods of measuring the human body in an attempt to define beauty. Unlike many artists of his time, he was not interested in using pattern books or established methods to make art. He insisted on discovering new art methods. His wife Agnes ran the business and the household throughout Dürer's career.

Press in the Workshop

Dürer's main workshop would have had several apprentices and workers producing woodcuts and copper engravings to Dürer's precise instructions. Paints, glues, and coatings were all produced in the workshop from ingredients from around the world.

Dürer's Workshop

We then climbed up to the Castle and walked around the impressive walls of this ancient edifice. We decided to skip the interior tour as many of the rooms are now empty. The Castle features great blocks of sandstone in its construction.

The Castle Gate

The Tower

The view from the castle is wonderful. Today was rainy so there were not too many tourists milling about.

Detail of Lock

Ok, I am facinated by these wonderful old locks. These things are HUGE! THis one measured about 24" square and is beautifully ornate.

We then walked the streets of Nuremberg and enjoyed typical architecture. Nuremburg was bombed extensively so one finds both traditional and more modern interpretations of architecture throughout the city.

Traditional Architecture on the street where the Butchers used to practice their trade

Bombed out ruins next to restored homes

Walking around the City.

WE walked around the Pegnitz river and enjoyed the sites. Later we walked to the city square and took in the churches. St. Sebald (1525) was unfortunately closed for organ tuning.

St. Sebald, Nuremberg

Later we walked to St. Lorenz Kirche and were able to go inside. I am always struck by the difference between Lutheran and Catholic churches of this era. Lutheran churches, while plenty ornate, lack the gold, and over the top ornamentation of many Catholic Churches of the time.