Gardens at the Imperial Castle
An oasis of peace
Over the centuries, there have been many reports about the gardens surrounding the Imperial Castle Nuremberg, which unfortunately are not preserved today. The oldest depiction of the Imperial Castle from 1425 shows an orchard with a plaited fence. Emperor Friedrich III (1440-1493) had so-called hanging gardens built on the south side of the Palas, which were supported by columns and contained grapevines, flowers and small fruit trees.
Today there are still gardens around the Imperial Castle – all very different – in which you can find peace in the middle of the Old Town. They are one of the best insider tips in Nuremberg. Please note: The gardens are open from April to October and are closed in the winter.
The Imperial Castle Garden
The most well-known castle garden is located on the upper and lower bastions of the Imperial Castle. Coming from the Imperial Stables – which today contains the Youth Hostel – you walk left of the massive Five-Cornered Tower through a small gate on to the upper bastion into the rose garden. In summer, the sea of blooms in the stone-lined beds invites you to stop and smell the roses. Those who stroll through the stately gardens will notice that the peace and quiet is only disturbed by the chirping of birds.
Please note: The gardens are open from April to October and are closed during the winter.
The Mayor's Garden
The well-hidden mayor’s garden is a secret even for many from Nuremberg. In contrast to the stately gardens on the bastions, it seems like something enchanted from a fairy tale. Stone gates and steps, stone sculpture surrounded with ivy and romantic benches line the crooked paths and give the mayor’s garden its own special atmosphere. Before it was opened to the general public in 1975, the garden was reserved for the mayor of Nuremberg – hence its name.
The mayor’s garden can be reached from two sides, from the castle garden which lies above and the staircase next to the Neutor. On the north, upper end of the mayor’s garden, a stair leads to the battlements on the castle wall. This is the only place in Nuremberg where the castle wall is open to the public. From there you have a wonderful view of the Imperial Castle above, the Tiergärtnertor Square, the Albrecht Dürer House and part of the Old Town and its narrow lanes. With a glance at the half-timbered houses of the Old Town, you can easily image the look of medieval Nuremberg.
Categories at The Castle District
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