Gardens of the Hesperides

The Gardens of the Hesperides in Nuremberg were established outside the town walls in the St. John's district in the Middle Ages. Today it is still possible to view a number of statues and fountains in these public gardens, giving visitors an impression of the famous garden culture from the 17th and 18th century. The nostalgic café invites for a little break. Next to the gardens is the famous St. John's Cemetery, don't miss these!

Information

addressJohannisstraße 13, Nuremberg
openingHoursApril - October

Mayor's Garden

You walk through the splendid gardens into an idyllic park in which the silence is uninterrupted, save for the twittering and chirping of birds and grasshoppers. This is also the only place, by the way, where the castle wall is accessible to the public. The garden has a fairy-tale-like character and even feels slightly enchanted. Stone gates, figures, benches and staircases line the winding path and from a stone gallery you can find a wonderful view of the Tiergärtnertorplatz and the Albrecht Dürer House.

Tiergärtnertorplatz

Next to the Imperial Castle, the Tiergärtnertorplatz is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view of the historic Old Town of Nuremberg. Especially during summer people meet here to have a drink and sit together for a coffee. The unique ensemble of the Imperial Castle, Albrecht Dürer House and other framework houses make this a unique spot!

Medieval Dungeons

Just a few steps away from the main market square, vaulted cellars below the splendid city hall built in Nuremberg's golden age accommodate the mediaeval dungeons. They were established as early as the 14th century and were not prisons as we know them today, but were used mainly for prisoners awaiting trial and for convicted criminals awaiting execution of their judgement.

GoHo

For a proper hedonist, there is no lifestyle without culture and cuisine, which is why he feels so much at home in Gostenhof. You can stroll from the vintage shop to the cycle workshop, from the friendly optician to the crazy designer shop. The hip district of Gostenhof on the edge of the Nuremberg city centre is still a kind of insider tip. Gostenhof is a must for devotees of individual treasures of the beaten track.

Former Wine Depot

The building was erected 1446/48 to house lepers who were allowed into the city for three days at Easter, during which time they received food and clothing and medical attention. After ca 1571, the building was used to store wine - hence the name. It later served as workhouse and spinnery and to lodge poor families. In 1950 it was turned into student housing, whereby the internal structural substance was virtually obliterated. Close by you can find the Chained Suspension Bridge which is the first iron suspension bridge ever built and the Hangman's Bridge, which was constructed as a wooden footbridge in 1457. Between the 16th and the 19th c., the Nuremberg hangman lived in the tower and the roofed over walkway above the Pegnitz River.

Tanners' Lane

The largest ensemble of old artisan houses in Nuremberg can be found in the Weißgerbergasse (tanners' lane). Predominantly half-timbered, the historical town houses, often with their own wells and a garden, testify to the affluence that could be attributed to the art of leather making. Instead of the busy tanners in the Middle Ages, the Weißgerbergasse today is populated with cafés, bars, small boutiques and handicraft workshops.

Trödelmarkt

The Nuremberg Trödelmarkt, located between Unschlittplatz and the Karlsbrücke (Charles Bridge), was originally a trading area - for junk. Today this 1000 m² square accommodates cozy little shops offering the unusual. Here you will find extravagant jewelry stores, individual boutiques, assorted wooden toys and amusing living accessories.

Gardens of the Hesperides

Nuremberg