Bavarian City With a Sad History

By 1:00 PM the Gefjon arrived in Nuremberg, the second-largest city in Bavaria. Although nearly destroyed in World War II, the remaining medieval city walls stretch some three miles and feature original gateways and 80 original watchtowers. DSCN9900 DSCN9899 It’s history dates back to the 11 century, but it is most known for its role in World War II. This city was a prime target for the Allied Forces. It was Hitler’s headquarters and the site of the Nazi rallies because of its location and proximity to surrounding towns by railroad. As a result, almost all the buildings were flattened by the Allied bombers in January 1945. Of course, it was also the site of the war crimes trials at the Palace of Justice.

HItler’s Headquarters in Nuremberg

Hitler’s Parade grounds in Nuremberg

Hotel where most Journalists stayed during the Nuremberg Trials 45-46

Later, the painstaking reconstruction – using the original stone – of almost all of the city’s main buildings, including the castle and old churches in Altstadt, returned the city to some of its former glory.

At the Cathedral there are pictures showing the reconstruction, and one of the most poignant is Allied servicemen standing amongst the rubble of the church at a worship service. Eisenhower was very instrumental in using Allied forces to help rebuild this old historic church.

This is what Nuremberg looked like after the bombings.

Nuremberg is filled with the half-timbered houses traditionally considered Bavarian and is well known historically for its metal and toy craftsmanship.

Most important to foodies all over the world is the fact that Nuremberg is the capital of lebkuchen, the beloved German Spiced Gingerbread Christmas cookie. The history of this cookie dates back to the 14th century because of the trade routes that brought all the spices to this one convergent spot. Of course we found the oldest, most famous and left our offering. They even had Gluten-Free. Very different that we are accustomed to eating in the U.S. but non the less, delicious.

Before we left our short stop in Nuremberg, Carol and Jim were searching for some Iced Coffee and look what was delivered to them. DSCN9929