Bavaria

Bavaria – Nuremberg Imperial Castle

Nuremberg Imperial Castle sits atop a sandstone outcrop above Nuremberg's old town and ranks among the most significant secular buildings of the Middle Ages in Germany. For centuries it served as a residence for German kings and Holy Roman Emperors, who regularly stopped in Nuremberg during their travels across the empire. The complex comprises several sections, including the imperial stables, the palas with its two-story chapel, and the striking Sinwell Tower, the castle's landmark feature. As a Free Imperial City, Nuremberg held special importance within the empire, and the castle likewise served as a political and symbolic center of the city's imperial authority. Numerous imperial diets and assemblies were held here.

The Imperial Castle is regarded as one of the most important surviving testaments to medieval imperial history and was rebuilt and expanded several times over the centuries. Heavily damaged in the Second World War, it was faithfully restored in the postwar years and today remains a major draw for visitors to the city. As a museum, it offers insight into courtly culture and Nuremberg's significance as an imperial city. With the 2028 commemorative 2-euro coin, Bavaria honors this striking symbol of German imperial history.