2014-10 Nuremberg, Germany
Hello All,
Shortly after departing Regensburg we entered the Main-Danube Canal and began our trek up over the continental divide of Europe. First envisioned by Charlemagne in the 8th century, the Main-Danube Canal is a feat of modern engineering that has transformed travel and trade in Europe. It runs from Kelheim in the east, via Nuremberg to Bamberg in the west and connects the Black Sea to the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. One hundred and six miles long, the Main-Danube Canal took 32 years to construct and was completed in 1992.
This region of Germany is Bavaria and it is the largest of Germany’s sixteen states. Rich in natural beauty, intriguing history, and cultural heritage, Bavaria comprises almost 20% of the country. The Bavarian Alps rise in the south and stretch into Austria, and the woodland of the Bavarian Forest form its eastern border with the Czech Republic. Two major rivers, the Main and the Danube, flow through the state.
Formed as a dukedom in the year 520, Bavaria is the oldest state in Europe. Under the Holy Roman Empire, Bavaria’s duke became a prince-elector. It became a kingdom in 1806, and enjoyed that independent status until 1918. A pervasive sense of independence permeates the region as many residents insist on calling it the “Free State of Bavaria.”
We cruised through the night and into the next morning arriving in Nuremberg shortly after lunch. We enjoyed the morning “kick back” time in our stateroom as the weather outside was lousy! It is not supposed to be raining in the middle of July—but, it was! As a result, our photos of Nuremberg will be rather limited.
Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second-largest city after Munich and attracts visitors from around the world with its medieval old town and imperial castle (also known as Nuremberg Castle). The oldest building within old town was constructed before 1050. It is surrounded by a high city wall and was considered to be one of Europe's most formidable medieval fortifications. From the 13th to the 16th century the wall was continuously strengthened and is one of the reasons why the city withstood all attacks during this time period. The castle dominates the north-western corner of old town.
In spite of the weather we had a great time touring old town--first, with our guide and then on our own. We found it to be fascinating. Here are a couple of shots from outside the city walls.
Shortly after departing Regensburg we entered the Main-Danube Canal and began our trek up over the continental divide of Europe. First envisioned by Charlemagne in the 8th century, the Main-Danube Canal is a feat of modern engineering that has transformed travel and trade in Europe. It runs from Kelheim in the east, via Nuremberg to Bamberg in the west and connects the Black Sea to the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. One hundred and six miles long, the Main-Danube Canal took 32 years to construct and was completed in 1992.
This region of Germany is Bavaria and it is the largest of Germany’s sixteen states. Rich in natural beauty, intriguing history, and cultural heritage, Bavaria comprises almost 20% of the country. The Bavarian Alps rise in the south and stretch into Austria, and the woodland of the Bavarian Forest form its eastern border with the Czech Republic. Two major rivers, the Main and the Danube, flow through the state.
Formed as a dukedom in the year 520, Bavaria is the oldest state in Europe. Under the Holy Roman Empire, Bavaria’s duke became a prince-elector. It became a kingdom in 1806, and enjoyed that independent status until 1918. A pervasive sense of independence permeates the region as many residents insist on calling it the “Free State of Bavaria.”
We cruised through the night and into the next morning arriving in Nuremberg shortly after lunch. We enjoyed the morning “kick back” time in our stateroom as the weather outside was lousy! It is not supposed to be raining in the middle of July—but, it was! As a result, our photos of Nuremberg will be rather limited.
Nuremberg is Bavaria’s second-largest city after Munich and attracts visitors from around the world with its medieval old town and imperial castle (also known as Nuremberg Castle). The oldest building within old town was constructed before 1050. It is surrounded by a high city wall and was considered to be one of Europe's most formidable medieval fortifications. From the 13th to the 16th century the wall was continuously strengthened and is one of the reasons why the city withstood all attacks during this time period. The castle dominates the north-western corner of old town.
In spite of the weather we had a great time touring old town--first, with our guide and then on our own. We found it to be fascinating. Here are a couple of shots from outside the city walls.
You can see how some of the
walls were constructed right on and around the sandstone of the area. Also of
interest, we learned that for many hundreds of years the sandstone bedrock of
Nuremberg's castle hill has been riddled with vaulted cellars and
"secret" passageways.
It was interesting walking within
the walled city. Half timbered buildings, cobblestone streets, and flower boxes
made for some interesting shots.
We wondered how long the ivy
had been growing on this building. The stems of it were quite large as you can
see.
This shot is of the “Zum
Albert Duer Haus” restaurant located in old town. To our knowledge it has
nothing to do with the famous German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer other
than name similarity. What really fascinated us was the attached building to
the right of the restaurant. Note how it is divided in half. We suspect there
are two different owners with differing views on how the exterior of the
building should be finished.
Narrow cobblestone streets
passed through gates and archways within the city. Note: it makes our feet hurt
again just seeing these uneven cobblestone streets and walkways.
After passing through the above
archway it opened up into a large square in front of the Frauenkirche
("Church of Our Lady"). Old town’s main market is in front of it.
Frauenkirche is an example of brick Gothic architecture. It was built on the
initiative of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor between 1352 and 1362.
One of the most notable
features of the church is the Männleinlaufen, a mechanical clock that
commemorates the Golden Bull of 1356. The clock was installed in the church in
1506. The Holy Roman Emperor is shown seated with the prince-electors
surrounding him.
The clock mechanism is activated at midday; a bell is rung to start the sequence followed by the trumpeters and drummer. Then there is a procession of the electors around the figure of the Holy Roman Emperor.
The clock mechanism is activated at midday; a bell is rung to start the sequence followed by the trumpeters and drummer. Then there is a procession of the electors around the figure of the Holy Roman Emperor.
Produce being sold in the local
market looked outstanding.
They had everything from fresh
cut flowers, to berries, and cheeses.
This is a popular restaurant in
old town which reminded us of something our guide said. He informed us of the
fact that the German people love to eat carp. However, it was not in season
during this time of the year. We have always considered carp to be a mud
sucking bottom fish. He stated, “They only catch carp during months that have
an “r” in them” (January, February, March, April, September, October, November,
and December). After they catch the fish they are put live into buckets of
fresh water for two days before cooking. This flushes the muddy water out of
their system. In Germany, carp is a traditional meal eaten on Christmas Eve.
On the right in the following
photo is the five-story home (built around 1420) of German Renaissance artist
Albrecht Dürer. Born in Nuremberg in 1471, he lived and worked in this five-story
house from 1509 till his death in 1528. He is conventionally regarded as the
greatest artist of the Northern Renaissance—he was also a mathematician and
theorist.
From the walls of old town we
could look down upon the rest of the city of Nuremberg. This colorful old city
of about 500,000 residents is quite different from those found in North
America. We found it quite interesting with the row house architecture.
In Nuremberg, the Nazis Party saw
the ideal setting for their activities. It was here that the fanatical party
rallies were held, the boycott of Jewish businesses began and the infamous
Nuremberg Laws outlawing Jewish citizenship were enacted. After World War II
the city was chosen as the site of the Nuremberg Trials. We saw the courts
where these trials took place—they are still in use today.
We also toured the remains of the massive Nazi Rallying Grounds where the Nazi Party held rallies between 1933 and 1938. We asked our guide why the people of Germany haven’t demolished it. He said they chose to leave it as a symbol to their young so that they will never forget the horrors of following fanaticism.
Late in the evening we cut loose our lines and began cruising towards our last port of call along the Main-Danube Canal--Bamberg, Germany. We will be exploring Bamberg in our next little blurb. Hope you will join us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
We also toured the remains of the massive Nazi Rallying Grounds where the Nazi Party held rallies between 1933 and 1938. We asked our guide why the people of Germany haven’t demolished it. He said they chose to leave it as a symbol to their young so that they will never forget the horrors of following fanaticism.
Late in the evening we cut loose our lines and began cruising towards our last port of call along the Main-Danube Canal--Bamberg, Germany. We will be exploring Bamberg in our next little blurb. Hope you will join us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns