Nuremberg's imperial castle still shows the importance of the city in the Holy Roman Empire.
It towers high above the city, and is often seen in the distance as you stroll through Nuremberg's Old Town: Nuremberg Imperial Castle is one of Germany's most important medieval fortresses. The construction of this large complex, both defensive and residential, took several centuries: the majority of the building dates back to the 11thcentury . Overlooking the entire city, the view from the castle terrace is breathtaking, ideal for recognizing the city's various monuments.
The presence of an imperial castle in Nuremberg reminds us of the close ties between the proud merchant city and the circles of power. Nuremberg is a keystone of the Holy Roman Empire. The Golden Bull - the most important text of the Holy Roman Empire - granted the Free City of Nuremberg an enviable privilege: it was in this metropolis (at the time, Nuremberg had a population of around 36,000) that the Holy Roman Emperor, freshly elected in Frankfurt am Main and crowned in Aachen, was to hold his first Reichstag, the first assembly of his reign. For a long time, Nuremberg also retained the imperial insignia (crown, scepter and orb).
Unfortunately, the castle was damaged in the war and has lost some of its treasures, but it still provides an insight into life here in the Middle Ages. Today, it's possible to visit the seigniorial dwelling (the Palas, of which little remains), the Romanesque chapel, the imperial and knights' halls, the well, the Sinwell tower, the garden and more.
The Romanesque chapel, built around 1200, is the most precious part from a historical-artistic point of view. Unlike most other buildings in the old town, it was not destroyed during the Second World War. Its distinctive feature is that it is on two levels.
In the Kaiserburg-Museum, visitors are invited to discover the various functions of the imperial castle over the centuries. Archaeological finds, a collection of offensive and defensive weapons, armor and many other exhibits illustrate the history and importance of this historic site. Numerous models, etc.
Access to the Sinwell Tower (Sinwellturm) is unfortunately temporarily impossible, pending renovation.
Don't miss a visit to the adjoining Burggarten, a charming flower garden on the ramparts, ideal for a well-earned break.
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Further information
Opening time and information on KAISERBURG
Open daily, April to September, 9 am to 6 pm, October to March, 10 am to 4 pm. Normal admission €9, reduced admission €8. Free admission for under-18s. Included in the Nürnberg-Card.
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Members' reviews on KAISERBURG
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Malgré son nom, aucun empereur n'a jamais habité le château de façon permanente. Il était principalement utilisé pour des séjours cérémoniels et gouverné par des burgraves.
Sur le plan architectural, le château comprend une double chapelle romane, la tour Sinwell, qui offre une vue panoramique, et un puits de 50 mètres de profondeur utilisé lors des sièges. Ses impressionnantes fortifications ont été agrandies au fil des siècles.
Fortement endommagé pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, le château a été soigneusement reconstruit et abrite aujourd'hui un musée, une auberge de jeunesse et accueille des événements culturels.
Bien que nous n'ayons pas eu le temps de visiter les expositions intérieures, le simple fait de se promener dans les parties du château accessibles au public en valait vraiment la peine : vues imprenables, cours atmosphériques et réelle impression de grandeur médiévale.