Jul 11, 2012

Germany on Stamps: Nuremberg Castle



NUREMBERG CASTLE

 



Nuremberg Castle is a historical building on a sandstone rock in the north of the historical city of Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany. It comprises three sections: the imperial castle ("Kaiserburg"), some buildings of the Bur graves of Nuremberg ("Burggrafenburg"), and the municipal buildings of the Imperial City at the eastern site ("Reichsstädtische Bauten").

After the damage in the Second World War the castle was rebuilt in historical forms. It counts in its historical character as a defensive structure and residence of the emperors, imperial castle Hohenzollern Burggraf and to the historically and architecturally based major military installations in Europe. Related to Nuremberg is regarded as one of the most important art and architectural monuments of the city and belongs to the Historical Mile Nuremberg.
Brief History
Archaeological investigations during recent days indicate that the place was already settled around the year 1000, although this has not been backed up by any documentary proof. Nuremberg was first recorded in 1050, when Henry III visited the town, but there is no specific mention of the castle. The castle does not appear in any documents until 1105.

In 1140, King Conrad III started building a second castle on the site, to be used as a royal residence.

In the 13th century, Nuremberg became an Imperial Free City, and the castle fell into the care of the city. Of all the parts of the castle built during this time, the Luginsland Tower ("watch-over-the-land" Tower), begun in 1377, stands out.

Legend has it that in 1381, the robber baron Eppelein von Gailingen escaped death on the gallows when his horse leapt into the castle moat. It is said that at this certain place the imprints of his horse's hoofs are still visible in the fortification wall.

In the second quarter of the 19th century, measures were taken to preserve the buildings.

After the Nazis seized power in 1933 the conversion began in the Imperial Castle. The Imperial Castle served as part of the annual party rallies. It was the symbolic backdrop for the Nazi regime as well as accommodation for high state visitors.

In World War II, the castle was damaged in 1944-45, with only the Roman double chapel and the Sinwell Tower remaining entirely intact. After the war, the castle was restored to its historical form, including the Luginsland tower which had been completely destroyed. The additions of the 19th century have been partly removed in 1934-35.

Today, the eastern municipal buildings of the castle, "Kaiserstallung" and "Luginsland", are used as a youth hostel.

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