I wasn’t sure what to expect from Nuremberg. During WWII, over 90 percent of the city was destroyed. What survived is a miracle. The rest was rebuilt and is very attractive. Hitler saw Nuremberg as his ideal German city so it is no surprise that the Allies went after it so aggressively. In addition, much of the German military manufacturing was based in Nuremberg.
Nuremberg did a better job preparing for bombing during WWII than other German cities. Consequently, despite aggressive bombing by the Allies, the city lost far less residents than other cities. The city used its numerous underground beer storage sites to shelter both people and their artwork.
Luckily, we were able to take a tour of the places where the Nazis hid artwork during WWII, including stolen pieces. It was fascinating. Unlike the majority of Nuremberg’s buildings, these underground hiding spaces remained intact and safe from the bombings. One of the most miraculous things saved were all the stained glass windows from Saint Sebaldus. Much of the cathedral was damaged by the Allied bombing. After the war, the Germans rebuilt the cathedral and reinstalled the original glass panes.
Unfortunately, we visited Nuremberg on a Sunday – In Germany, most stores are closed on Sundays. Luckily, two specialty stores for German gingerbread (more like a spice cookie) remain open on Sundays. The store we entered was packed with both local Germans and tourists. It was our only experience with an unhappy shop owner. Everywhere else has been so incredibly friendly. Most Germans not only speak English but do so with an American accent. As we travel along the rivers and canals, the German people have been so incredibly helpful and hospitable.
NO time for boredom today 