T H E P R I D E
O F T H E N U R E M B E R G P A T R I C I A N S
Guided tours through the most beautiful sides of Nuremberg
Supported by the Nuremberg Old Town Friends
Nuremberg, once a jewel of immeasurable charm, didst shine in its full Renaissance splendor until the devastating ravages of the Second World War. Yet, despite o'er 70% of the city falling victim to the harrowing bombardments of the Allies, hidden treasures still do linger today, in the remaining corners and covert squares.
To maketh the most of thy precious time ere the impending ball, I hath thus arranged some guided tours. They shalt acquaint thee with our beloved Nuremberg and kindle a love for this city in thy hearts. For even in the ruins of our history, in the nooks and alleys that hath withstood the ravages of time, the spirit of days of yore doth endure, awaiting thy discovery.
H I S T O R I C H O U S E S & C O U R T Y A R D S
Stroll in costume through the hidden beauty of Nuremberg.
In days of yore, ere the tempest of the Second World War didst descend upon this city, Nuremberg did shine in proud splendor, adorned with a multitude of magnificent courtyards. These courtyards, typically composed of an imposing front house, slender side wings, and a mysterious rear house, were veritable gems of architecture. The courtyard, a hidden treasure, did unfold as the pulsing heart of daily life for its denizens, for within its shadow, it held treasures of immeasurable worth.
A glimpse into these concealed oases did oft reveal a bay window, majestically rising aloft, and a cryptic stair tower, whispering the tales of yesteryears. Yet, the centerpiece was the house's wellspring, a fount of life that mirrored the significance of water in this city.
The link betwixt front and rear house was oft adorned with open galleries, transforming the courtyard into a labyrinth of beauty and history. In these tranquil corners of the city, Nuremberg breathed history and tradition, whilst the world outside forged ahead.
Today, we do bid thee to discover these final remnants of Nuremberg's hidden courtyards, rarely accessible without guidance. We shall lead thee on a journey to the historic houses and gallery courtyards in the Castle Quarter, where the past doth come alive in every stone and corner. Step into the world of yesteryear and behold the beauty and enchantment of these concealed treasures, awaiting only thy discovery.
2.4.2024
about 4:30 pm
T H E T R E A S U R E S O F
T H E G E R M A N I S C H E N
N A T I O N A L M U S E U M S
Stroll without clothes through the most beautiful departments
of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum Nuremberg.
Amidst the tides of time, doth the museum rise majestically, a truly momentous architectural monument. Its walls recount the tales of diverse epochs, as if they themselves were witnesses to the centuries. The origin of this splendid edifice lies in the late medieval Charterhouse monastery, where silent prayers once filled the halls.
Yet time, it doth shape and change. In the year 1857, the plans for the museum were forged, and the once hallowed monastery was encompassed within this grand vision. Today, only a few traces of the museum's inception in the latter half of the 19th century hath endured. Instead, the walls speak to us of those days in the early 20th century when special structures like the old entrance, the lapidary, and the gallery building were purpose-built for the museum.
But the tumult of the Second World War also left its scars. Architect Sep Ruf added further buildings, but historical elements were altered or even destroyed. Only a few structures were resurrected in restorative splendor. A true pinnacle of this monumental work is the spacious Charterhouse building, crafted according to the designs of Jan Störmer and the visionary architectural team "me di um." For years did the construction extend, from 1983 to 1988 and finally until 1996. The costs amounted to a proud 140 million Deutsche Marks.
Let this splendid abode beckon thee and immerse thyself in the incredible treasures it holds. The Germanic National Museum, a treasury of the Renaissance, offers the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of this era. Let thy imagination embark on a journey and experience the grandeur and opulence of days of yore, reawakening here in all their glory.
3.4.2024
about 4:30 pm
T H E T U C H E R S C H L Ö S S C H E N
Stroll without clothes through the Tucherschloss Museum and the Hirsvogel Hall
Between the years of 1533 and 1544, majestically did rise Castle Tucher, a splendid edifice that resurrects the illustrious era of Nuremberg's merchant dynasties in the 16th century. The exhibits, once belonging to the noble Tucher family, form an unparalleled part of the original castle furnishings. This select collection doth not only present exquisite craftsmanship, opulent furniture, and resplendent tapestries, but also masterpieces of painting spanning from the 15th to the 19th century. Notable among them are the renowned double goblet and the precious Tucher table service crafted by Wenzel Jamnitzer, as well as the painted epitaph of Adelheid Tucher and the portrait of Hans VI. Tucher, fashioned within the workshop of Michael Wolgemut, the mentor of the great Dürer.
The imposing sandstone structure was not initially conceived as a permanent residence but as a place for summer pleasures and social gatherings. As it is written in the ancient records, "he built the grand stone abode up towards his garden," when Lorenz Tucher and his spouse Katharina transformed their estate, in existence since the 14th century, into a representative retreat from 1533 to 1544.
The facade of the castle along the street exudes simple elegance, in accordance with the building regulations of Nuremberg in that time. Yet, within the castle courtyard unfolds a stunning magnificence: a captivating fusion of architectural ornamentation and Renaissance elements from diverse lands. An outstanding feature is the staircase tower, reminiscent of French models, rising above the pitched roof of the main building. With its three turrets, it imparts a picturesque accentuation to the estate, carrying visitors away to a bygone era of splendor and opulence.
