Nuremberg Castle

Nuremberg Castle

A castle of emperors

Rising on a great sandstone rock above the red rooftops of the old city, Nuremberg Castle — the Kaiserburg, or "Emperor's Castle" — was one of the most important imperial castles in the entire Holy Roman Empire. For centuries it stood at the very heart of German power, a symbol of the empire that loosely united the German lands through the Middle Ages.

The heart of the empire

The Holy Roman Empire had no single fixed capital; instead, the emperor and his court travelled from place to place, staying in a network of imperial castles and cities. Nuremberg was one of the most favoured of these, and by tradition every newly elected Holy Roman Emperor was expected to hold his first imperial assembly, or Diet, in the city.

Built and expanded from the 11th to the 16th centuries, the castle provided the emperor with halls, chapels and lodgings worthy of his rank. Its double chapel, with an upper level for the emperor and a lower one for his servants, is a beautiful and unusual survival.

Wells, towers and defences

The castle has some remarkable practical features. Its Deep Well, cut more than fifty metres straight down through the rock, ensured water even during a siege; visitors today watch water poured far below to show its astonishing depth. The round Sinwell Tower offered lookouts a commanding view over the city and the country around.

These strong defences, together with the city's own famous walls, made Nuremberg one of the best-protected places in medieval Germany.

A great free city

Below the castle, Nuremberg grew into one of the wealthiest and most important "free imperial cities" of the empire, a centre of crafts, trade, art and learning. The great artist Albrecht Dürer lived and worked here, and the city was famous for its skilled metalworkers and toymakers.

In darker times, the 20th century brought tragedy and infamy to Nuremberg, and much of the old city — including parts of the castle — was destroyed by bombing in the Second World War. Afterwards, the historic buildings were carefully rebuilt.

Restored and protected

Thanks to careful restoration after the war, Nuremberg Castle and much of the old city were brought back to life. Today the castle is a museum and one of the chief landmarks of the city, telling the story of the Holy Roman Empire and of Nuremberg's golden age.

Visiting today

Visitors can explore the imperial halls and the beautiful double chapel, marvel at the Deep Well, and climb the Sinwell Tower for sweeping views over Nuremberg's rooftops and walls. Displays explain the workings of the Holy Roman Empire and the castle's role at its heart. Historic and commanding, Nuremberg Castle is one of the most important medieval monuments in Germany.