Tallow House, Nuremberg

Tallow House, located in Nuremberg, boasts a rich history dating back to its construction in 1491 by Hans Beheim the Elder. Originally one of the city's seven granaries, the building was architecturally notable for its 76 skylights incorporated into a four-story roof structure, designed to ventilate the granary. These features now appear as historical windows in the form of dormers on the high roof.

From 1562 until 1835, Tallow House operated under the city's monopoly authority for the sale of fat, specifically lard, which was a vital raw material for producing tallow candles, soap, automobile grease, and shoe wax. This lucrative business led to the building's German name, "Unschlitthaus," meaning "Fat House."

Transitioning in function through the years, from 1839 to 1899, it served as a school and calibration office, and later, the city pawnshop was established there in 1899. During the Second World War, specifically on January 2, 1945, Tallow House was significantly damaged by bombing. The northern part of the building was later reconstructed, while the southern part remains preserved in its original form, including its impressive roof structure.

Today, Tallow House is distinguished by its substantial and carefully designed architecture, featuring a Gothic portal on the south side, an ornate Gothic stepped pediment, and an overhanging roof. The northern wall of the building is part of the protective structure along the Pegnitz River, integrating it into the city's historic fabric. The building currently serves various government and commercial purposes, continuing its long-standing presence in the heart of Nuremberg.