Hauptmarkt (Main Market Square), Nuremberg (must see)

Main Market Square is the heart of Nuremberg’s Old Town. Surrounded by historic buildings and dominated by the Church of Our Lady and the Beautiful Fountain, the square has served as a centre of trade, ceremony, and public life for centuries. Its present appearance is closely connected with the transformation of this part of Nuremberg in the 14th century, during the reign of Emperor Charles IV. The history of the square is also inseparable from the persecution of Nuremberg’s Jewish population: in 1349, the medieval Jewish quarter was destroyed in a pogrom, and the area was subsequently redeveloped.

Today, the Main Market Square is a lively marketplace where visitors can experience a more everyday side of Nuremberg. From Monday to Saturday, market stalls sell fruit and vegetables, fresh bread, flowers, treats, and ready-to-eat meals, while cafés and restaurants around the square provide places to stop and watch the activity. Focus on the centre and southern part of the square, where most of the bustling outdoor market stalls are located, and take in the lively scents of fresh produce and regional baked goods.

The square also hosts various festivals and seasonal events, including the Nuremberg Old Town Festival and flea markets. Its most famous transformation takes place during Advent, when the Nuremberg Christ Child Market fills the square with hundreds of stalls, lights, gingerbread, and festive treats.

Another highlight is the Beautiful Fountain, a spectacular Gothic monument completed in 1396 and standing about 19 metres (or 62 feet) high. Its ornate structure is decorated with 40 figures representing important figures and concepts of the Holy Roman Empire, including the seven Electors, the four Evangelists, the four Church Fathers, Moses, and the seven Prophets. A famous brass ring set into its fence is traditionally associated with good luck; visitors often turn it while making a wish. The fountain is a must-see in the square, and you can easily reach it by walking towards the plaza’s northwestern corner.

The square is also an excellent starting point for exploring the Old Town. From here, you can easily reach the Old City Hall, Saint Sebaldus Church, and Nuremberg Castle, as well as numerous historic streets. Take a few minutes to walk around the entire square, as different angles reveal the relationship between the church, fountain, and surrounding architecture.