Nassauer Haus
Nuremberg's last medieval residential tower, a 13th-century marvel blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, featuring a historic sundial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Nassauer Haus
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nuremberg's last medieval residential tower, a 13th-century marvel blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, featuring a historic sundial.
"A charming, well-preserved medieval tower with a unique sundial, offering a glimpse into Nuremberg's past."
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the tower's unique facade and the charming sundial. Great for street photography!
📍 Location, Location!
Conveniently located near St. Lorenz Church, perfect for a quick sightseeing stop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Residential Tower
Königstraße and Karolinenstraße
Nuremberg's last surviving medieval residential tower, a striking example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Historic Sundial
Facade
A charming, still-functional sundial painted high on the stonework, a unique medieval timepiece.
Layered Architecture
Exterior
Admire the fortress-like walls and the ornate Gothic bay window, showcasing centuries of architectural evolution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Medieval Tower Charm
A Glimpse into History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the tower's unique facade and the charming sundial. Great for street photography!
📍 Location, Location!
Conveniently located near St. Lorenz Church, perfect for a quick sightseeing stop.
🕰️ Time Capsule Feel
Imagine medieval life as you gaze up at this impressive, well-preserved residential tower.
🏛️ Architectural Blend
Appreciate the mix of Romanesque base and Gothic details on this historic structure.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the tower's unique facade and the charming sundial. Great for street photography!
📍 Location, Location!
Conveniently located near St. Lorenz Church, perfect for a quick sightseeing stop.
🕰️ Time Capsule Feel
Imagine medieval life as you gaze up at this impressive, well-preserved residential tower.
🏛️ Architectural Blend
Appreciate the mix of Romanesque base and Gothic details on this historic structure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Nassauer Haus as Nuremberg's last medieval residential tower, noting its unique architecture, including the Romanesque base, Gothic bay window, and historic sundial. Its central location near St. Lorenz Church makes it an easily accessible and visually interesting landmark for a brief stop.
"Nassauer Haus, just steps from St. Lorenz, is the last surviving medieval residential tower in Nuremberg. Built in the 13th century, it once served as a status symbol for the city’s elite, its height a declaration of wealth and influence. The mix of Romanesque base and later Gothic details gives it a layered character, from fortress-like walls to the ornate bay window perched above the street.
Walking up to it, I found myself slowing down, not because it’s massive, but because it feels so different from the churches and squares nearby. Its sheer verticality makes you imagine what the skyline must have looked like when towers like this dotted the city, each competing for attention.
And then there’s the sundial, painted high on the stonework, still angled toward the sky. In a world of smartphones and atomic clocks, it feels almost comical, like a medieval version of checking your watch, except you’d better hope for sunshine. It’s details like that which make Nassauer Haus more than just another historic building; it’s a time capsule with personality."
E Scott Parks
"This is a 15th-century residential tower located at Königstraße and Karolinenstraße just across from St. Lorenz Church. Considered the last remaining residential tower from the Middle Ages, Nassauer Haus was constructed of red sandstone and is topped by battlements and small roofed corners . The facade includes a sundial as well. Well worth a brief look see while sightseeing in this area of Nuremburg."
Brad
"Nuremberg's Nassau Hause is a historical riot with no royal credentials but plenty of laughs. This medieval tower, a design chameleon from the 12th-13th century, throws a 15th-century expansion into the mix."
eacxyy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nassauer Haus is centrally located in Nuremberg, easily accessible by public transport. You can take trams or buses to stops near St. Lorenz Church, and it's a short walk from there. Many visitors also find it convenient to reach on foot if they are exploring the city center.
Yes, Nassauer Haus is situated just steps from the magnificent St. Lorenz Church, making it easy to combine visits. It's also close to other key Nuremberg landmarks like the Königstor and Weißgerbergasse.
While it's a tower, its central location means you can often spot it as you wander through the city center. Drone footage showcases its presence within the urban landscape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Nassauer Haus is primarily viewed from the exterior as a historical landmark. There are no admission fees to admire its architecture from the street.
As an exterior landmark, Nassauer Haus can be viewed at any time. However, for the best experience and lighting for photos, daytime visits are recommended.
No, there is no entrance fee to see the Nassauer Haus. It's a historical building that is part of the Nuremberg cityscape.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the tower itself, a rare surviving medieval residential tower. Look for its Romanesque base, Gothic additions, ornate bay window, and the unique sundial on its facade.
Absolutely! The unique architecture, the sundial, and its placement in the historic city make it a great subject for photography, especially during daylight hours.
It's Nuremberg's last medieval residential tower, built in the 13th century as a status symbol for the city's elite. It has also played a role in later historical periods.
Currently, the Nassauer Haus is primarily an exterior sight. While there are mentions of a restaurant being planned for its cellars, public access inside the tower itself is not typical.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best natural light to capture the details of the Nassauer Haus. Early mornings can provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Try capturing the full height of the tower from street level, focusing on the contrast between the older base and the Gothic additions. The sundial is also a must-capture detail.
Any modern smartphone or camera will do a great job. The key is good lighting and finding interesting angles to showcase its unique medieval architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since it's primarily an exterior view, it's easy to incorporate into a walking tour without requiring long periods of quiet observation. Its central location means you can easily move on to other family-friendly activities in Nuremberg afterward. Consider it a 'wow' moment in a short burst of history.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond its architectural significance, research its role during the Nazi era and its subsequent reconstruction after WWII. This layered history provides a rich narrative, connecting the city's medieval prosperity with its more challenging 20th-century experiences. It’s a tangible link to different epochs of Nuremberg's past.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of Nassauer Haus
As the centuries progressed, the tower underwent significant transformations. The 15th-century expansion introduced elements of the Gothic architectural style, most notably the ornate bay window that juts out impressively above the street. This blend of styles tells a story of evolving aesthetics and the continuous adaptation of the building over time. The addition of battlements and small, roofed corners further enhances its unique silhouette, making it a fascinating study for anyone interested in historical architecture.
One of the most charming and enduring features is the sundial painted high on the stonework. In an age before precise timekeeping devices, this simple yet ingenious mechanism served as a public clock, a testament to medieval ingenuity. Its presence adds a whimsical touch to the otherwise formidable structure, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the passage of time and the lives lived within these ancient walls.
Nassauer Haus: A Witness to History
Its history took a darker turn during the Nazi era. The tower, like much of Nuremberg, was integrated into the regime's propaganda efforts and was used in connection with the infamous Reichsparteitage (Nazi Party Rallies). This period left its mark, and the building was subsequently destroyed by bombs in 1945. Fortunately, it was meticulously reconstructed by 1952, preserving a vital piece of the city's heritage.
+1The tower's survival and reconstruction highlight Nuremberg's resilience. Today, it stands as a reminder of the city's medieval prosperity, its complex 20th-century past, and its commitment to rebuilding and preserving its historical identity. It offers a tangible connection to different eras, from the height of medieval commerce to the scars of war and the subsequent efforts of restoration.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit