SLEEPING BEAUTY

Nuremberg is a city in Bavaria and is situated on the Pegnitz river. From 1050 to 1571, the city expanded and rose dramatically in importance due to its location on key trade routes. It is often referred to as having been the 'unofficial capital' of the Holy Roman Empire, particularly because Reichstag and courts met at Nuremberg Castle. The Diets of Nuremberg were an important part of the administrative structure of the empire. In 1219 Nuremberg became an Imperial Free City under Emperor Frederick II. Nuremberg soon became, with Augsburg, one of the two great trade centers on the route from Italy to Northern Europe.

In 1298, the Jews of the town were accused of having desecrated the host and 698 were slain in one of the many Rintfleisch Massacres. Behind the massacre in 1298 was also the desire to combine the northern and southern parts of the city, which were divided by the Pegnitz River. Jews had been settled in that flood-prone area, but as the city leaders realised, this center of town was crucial to its future development. Hence, the Jewish population had to be removed.

Even though Nuremberg has a bad history, what a beautiful city! I felt comfortable traveling through the streets. The architecture held its own vernacular and really felt like a community. The buildings where all unique in their own way, even though they were dense and confined. My favorite aspect is that the architecture is built with the landscape by following the river and contours of the land.