Nürnberg - Burg

To the north of the old town of Nuremberg rises the Burg (alt. 351m/1,152ft; 220m/240yds long, 50m/165ft across). All legitimate German kings and emperors from 1050 to 1571 resided in the castle, and many imperial diets were held here. At the lower end are the old imperial stables (Kaiserstallung), built in 1495 as a granary and now occupied by a youth hostel.

Immediately west of this is the Pentagonal Tower, the oldest building in the town (c. 1040), a relic of an earlier castle on the site. Higher up is the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), built in the 11th century and much altered in later centuries, with the Sinwell Tower (panoramic views) and the "Deep Well." The castle (conducted visit) has a number of fine rooms, including the 12th century chapel, and contains some notable works of art.