Nuremberg, Germany is probably most well-known for the ill-fated “Nuremberg Trials” where Nazi generals were sentenced to death in light of the country’s defeat in World War Two and the massacres of the Holocaust. This red mark has, sadly, overshadowed the remarkable and generally non-genocidal history of Nuremberg. During the German Renaissance in the 1400s, for instance, Nuremberg was the cultural epicenter of Germany and it was the first city in the country to recognize the Protestant movement in the 1500s. Nuremberg is also one of the most important cities as far as astronomy is concerned. One of the first observatories in history was erected in Nuremberg and Alfred Durer of Nuremberg brought the stars to the masses when he created the first printed star charts.
Nuremberg’s dedication to fostering intellectual growth didn’t end there and even after the Middle Ages there were few cities among the world that did as much to bring knowledge to mankind. The publishing world had its roots in Nuremberg as early as the 1400s when the first print shop was opened in the city and to this day Nuremberg remains at the forefront when it comes to avant-garde music, literature, and theater. Technology is also a big part of modern day Nuremberg and the Siemens company maintains quite a presence in the city as the largest industrial employer in the area. Nuremberg is also home to the internationally renowned Nuremberg Toy Fair, which is the largest toy fair on the planet! There are also countless electronics expos and hi-tech fairs held each year in Nuremberg.
Although Nuremberg lost some of its innocence in light of the Nazi War Tribunal, it should be noted that the city is still an incredibly popular tourist destination these days and why shouldn’t it be? After all, Nuremberg is rife with fascinating historical architecture that is appealing to both history buffs and art purveyors. The imposing Nuremberg Castle, for instance, is a sprawling three-towered fortress that draws millions in each year. The Johannisfriedhof is a cemetery that dates back to medieval times and any historian worth his or her salt visits it at least once to see some of the oldest graves on the face of the Earth. For those interested in the seedier side of Nuremberg’s history, the Nazi party rally grounds are still open to the public and provide some fascinating information for anybody who can stomach it.
Though Nuremberg has had its setbacks, it still commands a worldwide presence because of its consistent dedication to forward thinking. Very few cities in the world that have their roots in medieval times can claim as much modern day influence as Nuremberg and it looks like the city is poised to be an important center of technology for yet another century. Whether you plan on visiting Nuremberg for an electronic expo or simply to view the massive amount of history on display, you can rest assured that you will not be disappointed in the vast amount of grandeur that the city has to offer.
Submitted by: Hannah Rollmaker
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