11/25/13   Nuremburg Germany

Our cruise started out in Nuremburg, Germany.   The cruise ship was docked for one day, so we could enjoy the sites in Nuremburg.


Some of the Nuremberg buildings have beautiful wall murals.


There still are some old stone towers along the old city walls, which were built between the 12th and 16th centuries.  They run for 5 kilometers (about 4 kilometers still standing) around the old town.


Across the old stone bridge on a small island is the tower where the hangman lived.   The Hangman's Bridge was originally constructed in 1457 as a wooden bridge. Between the 16th and the 19th century, the Nuremberg hangman lived in the tower.   The executioner had to live in a segregated accommodation within the city, since his trade was considered "dishonest".  During the Middle Ages, citizens avoided any physical contact with the hangman, in order not to be excluded from the Christian community.


In 1946 the Nazi War Crimes Tribunal were held in the main court room of the historic Palace of Justice (note the 4 large windows on the top floor).


 The Nazi Rally Grounds and Documentation Center were located in Nuremburg.   The shallow lake in front of the building is drained each winter.   It is refilled with water and fish each summer.


Here is a current picture of the interior courtyard of the Nazi Rally Grounds and Documentation Center.


Now here is an old picture of what the interior courtyard of the Nazi Rally Grounds and Documentation Center looked like during WW II.


Nearby we visited the WW II Nazi Parade Grounds and review stand.   Today the parade grounds are used for a motor car racing track.


Here is an old WW II picture, showing the parade grounds during the WW II years.