Discover Nuremberg – Medieval Old Town, Historic Markets & Dürer

Begin your tour at St. Lorenz Church, one of Nuremberg's three most important historic churches and one of the city's most impressive Gothic landmarks. Originally constructed during the Middle Ages, the church suffered extensive damage during the Second World War but was carefully reconstructed and restored.

Take time to admire its richly decorated western facade, monumental portals and intricate Gothic details. Your guide will introduce you to the church's importance in Nuremberg's religious and civic history, as well as some of the important works of art associated with the building. St. Lorenz remains one of the defining landmarks of the southern part of the Old Town.

Continue towards the Tugendbrunnen, or Fountain of the Virtues, an elaborate Renaissance fountain depicting six virtues: faith, hope, charity, courage, temperance and patience. Above them stands the figure of Justice.

The fountain provides an opportunity to explore the symbolism and values that shaped Renaissance civic culture, while its elaborate sculptural decoration offers an excellent example of the artistic craftsmanship found throughout Nuremberg's historic centre.

Continue to the Fleisch Bridge, one of the most distinctive historic bridges in central Nuremberg. Crossing the Pegnitz, it connects the St. Lorenz and St. Sebald districts and forms an important link between the two halves of the Old Town.

As you cross the bridge, take in the views along the river and the surrounding historic buildings. The Pegnitz has played an important role in the development of Nuremberg, and the bridges crossing it provide some of the city's most atmospheric viewpoints.

Arrive at the Hauptmarkt, the central market square and one of the focal points of Nuremberg's historic Old Town. The square has been associated with markets and civic life for centuries and today remains one of the city's most vibrant public spaces.

During the Advent season, the Hauptmarkt is transformed into the setting for the famous Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, one of Germany's best-known Christmas markets. Outside the Christmas season, you can still appreciate the square's historic character and learn about the traditions that have made the market famous around the world.

At the centre of the square, admire the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain), one of Nuremberg's most recognisable monuments. The approximately 19-metre-high Gothic fountain is richly decorated with symbolic figures and has stood on the Hauptmarkt since the late 14th century.

Admire the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), which dominates the eastern side of the Hauptmarkt. Commissioned by Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century, it is one of Nuremberg's three most important historic churches and is regarded as the first Gothic hall church in Franconia.

Look up at its distinctive façade and famous balcony, from which the Nuremberg Christkind traditionally delivers the opening prologue of the Christkindlesmarkt. You can also learn about the Männleinlaufen, the celebrated mechanical clock in which seven electors pay homage to Emperor Charles IV each day at noon.

Conclude your walk near Albrecht Dürer's House, one of the most atmospheric historic houses in Nuremberg's Old Town. The building dates back to around 1420 and was acquired by Albrecht Dürer in 1509.

Dürer, one of Europe's most influential Renaissance artists, lived and worked here for almost 20 years. Today, the preserved historic house provides an evocative connection to the artist and to Nuremberg's important role as a centre of art, printing and intellectual life during the Renaissance.

The tour ends here, leaving you in the picturesque upper Old Town, close to the historic streets surrounding Dürer's former home and within easy reach of other major attractions.