From The World Cup in Germany.com

City
An overview of Nuremberg
By
Sep 8, 2005, 11:32

Nuremberg is the economic and cultural centre of Franconia (Franken in German, which is why the football ground is the Frankenstadion). Franconia is a district that covers much of northern Bavaria, and with a population of around half a million, Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city (Munich is the largest).

Rocky castle
'Nuorenberc', the rocky castle, is first mentioned in 1050.  Over the next 500 years, the Holy Roman Emperor regularly stopped there, not least because 'Reichstage' (Imperial Diets) were convened at the castle.

Now part of Bavaria
In 1219 Nuremberg became an Imperial Free City under Emperor Frederick II, and became a major trade centre on the route from Italy to Northern Europe.

The city declined in importance after the Thirty Years War (1618-48) and recovered only in the 19th century, when it grew as an industrial centre. In 1806, it became part of Bavaria.
Nuremberg's 'rocky castle'
The unfinished Kongresshalle
 A murky past
Because of its relevance to the Holy Roman Empire, the Nazis chose the city as the site of their large NSDAP party rallies. A number of premises were specially constructed for these assemblies, plus other buildings, some of which were never finished, like the colossal Kongresshalle and other elements of the huge complex around the football ground.

Heavily bombed
Until 1945, Nuremberg was the site of roughly half the total German production of airplane, submarine, and tank engines. As a result, the city was heavily bombed by the British and Americans during World War II and was largely destroyed.

Faithfully restored
Despite this, the city was rebuilt after the war and was restored as closely to its pre-war appearance as possible, down to the replication of many of its medieval buildings.

After World War II, the city became famous for the Nuremberg Trials.
The restored 15th century Dürer-Haus

Tourist attractions
Today, the city has two areas of primary interest to tourists: the inner city within the old medieval walls and the former Nazi rally grounds complex to the south-east, where the football ground is also located.

Some of the sights you might like to see are covered on the following pages:

See also Expedia.co.uk for Nuremberg hotels, flights and rental cars.

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