Our stop today was the historic city of Nuremberg, a city in Bavaria in the administrative region of Middle Franconia. Nuremberg is situated on the Pegnitz River and the Rhine-Main- Danube Canal and was an important city in the Middle Ages due to its location on key trade routes and the fact that many Imperial Diets met at Nuremberg Castle. it was also known as the 'unofficial capital' of the Holy roman Emperor.
In the 15th and 16th century Nuremberg became the centre of German Renaissance , but by the 19th century the city was practically bankrupt but came to prominence again in the Nazi era when, because of the city's relevance to the Holy Roman Empire and its position in the centre of Germany, it was chosen as the site of the huge Nazi Party rallies. In 1945-6 it was also the site of the famous war crimes trials.
Our first stop was the site of the Nazi Party rallies with Hitler's Colosseum-like structure still visible. It is still possible to feel the intensity that the rallies generated. Our next stop was to view the site of the war crimes trials. It is no longer possible to visit inside the court rooms.
We then visited the Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg's main square which contains the "Beautiful Fountain" a spire like Gothic structure from about 1390 which is 55 feet high and contains about 40 carved figures and a ring which you twist and make a wish. The square also contains the Church of Our Lady with its clock with moving figures and St Sebald a 14th century church with sculptures by Veit Stoss. This square is where the famous Christmas markets are held during Advent.
As we drove around the city we could see the old city walls and moat. Our final stop was at the Documentation Centre which contains a very powerful presentation of the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party. We were fascinated with the many original documents and photos it contained.
After dinner we were treated to a bit of fun with a music quiz evening as we sailed to Bamberg.
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