Nuremberg

Nuremberg, the second-largest city in Bavaria, lies in the heart of Franconia and is renowned for its rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Back then, it was a free imperial city, and its castle hosted the Imperial Diet. Today, it is a place worth visiting, even though many associate it primarily with the Nuremberg Trials. The old town is encircled by well-preserved defensive walls, but most of the buildings were reconstructed after wartime destruction, retaining the original street layout. The most important landmark is Nuremberg Castle, towering over the old town, with a Romanesque chapel from around 1200 that survived the bombings. You can also climb the Sinwell Tower for panoramic views of the city and see an exhibition of photos showing Nuremberg before and after the war. Inside the castle, there is a multimedia exhibition about the city's golden age and a collection of weapons and armor. It is also worth strolling through the castle gardens and the Mayor's Gardens, from where you can access the city walls. The city offers many attractions for everyone – from museums and churches to sites connected with 20th-century history. Thanks to the compact old town, most sights can be explored on foot, and public transport makes it easy to reach farther points such as the Palace of Justice or the former Nazi party rally grounds.