Altstadt (Nuremberg)

 invisible, historic city center

Historic part of the city of Nuremberg.

The old town of Nuremberg is situated below the hill of Nuremberg castle and is divided in half by the river Pegnitz.

The part of the old town south of the river is called the Lorenzer Altstadt while the northern part is called Sebalder Altstadt. The names are derived from the largest churches in each of the sections.

Nuremberg was first mentioned in a deed in 1050 a.d. (Sigena Urkunde).

In 1219 Nuremberg became a Free Imperial City. (Grosser Freiheitsbrief)

In 1423 Imperial Regalia were given to the city of Nuremberg by Kaiser Sigismund.

In 1806 Nurmeberg lost its independece and was integrated into the new state of bavaria (to which it still belongs).

During the second world war Nuremberg was one of the main targets of Allied aerial attacks. The old town of Nuremberg was almost competely destroyed by Allied bombing raids. After the war most of the buildings were reconstructed in the historic fashion. So although Nuremberg seems to be a charming old middle-age city to visitors, most of the building or at least parts of the buldings were rebuilt in the second half of the 20th century.

One of the most notable landmarks of Nuremberg is the old city wall. It is almost completely preserved and one of the most beautiful in Europe. Stretching all the way arounf the city, it is interspersed with imposing gates and fortifications.