St. Sebaldus Church, Nuremberg
Saint Sebaldus Church, situated at Albrecht-Dürer-Platz in Nuremberg, in front of the old city hall, is a landmark steeped in deep historical and religious significance. Named after Sebaldus, an 8th-century hermit and missionary who is also the patron saint of Nuremberg, the church has played a central role in the city's spiritual life since its construction in the 1230s. Originally built as a Romanesque basilica featuring two choirs, Saint Sebaldus Church is notable for its architectural evolution over the centuries. The addition of two towers in the 15th century and further interior modifications in the middle 17th century, which introduced Baroque elements and galleries, mark significant periods in its development.
The church has endured its share of tribulations, most notably suffering severe damage during World War II. However, it was meticulously reconstructed, preserving some of its most valued historical components. Among these are the Shrine of Saint Sebaldus, renowned works by the artist Veit Stoss, and its exquisite stained glass windows. These elements highlight the church's artistic and religious heritage, contributing to its status as a cultural treasure.
Music has also played a pivotal role in the church's history. Notably, it housed an organ as early as the 14th century, with the main organ built in 1440–41 by Heinrich Traxdorf, a pioneer in organ building. This organ was particularly remarkable not only for its age but also for its innovative design which moved away from the traditional Gothic Blockwerk.
Today, Saint Sebaldus Church remains a vital part of Nuremberg’s cultural and spiritual landscape, offering a rich tapestry of history, art, and music to worshippers and visitors alike.
Why You Should Visit:
Great atmosphere that puts you back into medieval times! Also in a beautiful area, just off the northwest corner of the Main Market.
Tip:
Admission is free at the public church tours, although donations are appreciated. For tower tours, the fee is €5 (children €2).
Several times a year, the church and tower are open until late at night, as part of the "Blue Night" festivities in Nuremberg.
The church has endured its share of tribulations, most notably suffering severe damage during World War II. However, it was meticulously reconstructed, preserving some of its most valued historical components. Among these are the Shrine of Saint Sebaldus, renowned works by the artist Veit Stoss, and its exquisite stained glass windows. These elements highlight the church's artistic and religious heritage, contributing to its status as a cultural treasure.
Music has also played a pivotal role in the church's history. Notably, it housed an organ as early as the 14th century, with the main organ built in 1440–41 by Heinrich Traxdorf, a pioneer in organ building. This organ was particularly remarkable not only for its age but also for its innovative design which moved away from the traditional Gothic Blockwerk.
Today, Saint Sebaldus Church remains a vital part of Nuremberg’s cultural and spiritual landscape, offering a rich tapestry of history, art, and music to worshippers and visitors alike.
Why You Should Visit:
Great atmosphere that puts you back into medieval times! Also in a beautiful area, just off the northwest corner of the Main Market.
Tip:
Admission is free at the public church tours, although donations are appreciated. For tower tours, the fee is €5 (children €2).
Several times a year, the church and tower are open until late at night, as part of the "Blue Night" festivities in Nuremberg.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Nuremberg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
St. Sebaldus Church on Map
Sight Name: St. Sebaldus Church
Sight Location: Nuremberg, Germany (See walking tours in Nuremberg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Nuremberg, Germany (See walking tours in Nuremberg)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Nuremberg, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Nuremberg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Nuremberg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Nuremberg Introduction Walking Tour
The most "German" of all cities in Germany, Nuremberg has witnessed many historic events in its lifetime. Sadly, the first thing immediately associated with Nuremberg is the rise of the Third Reich, the Nazi rallies, and the postwar trials over the Nazi leaders. Indeed, the city was favored by Hitler, who planned to build here a grandiose architectural complex for his party.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Nuremberg Old Town Walking Tour
The historical center of Nuremberg, Old Town (German: Altstadt) is easily differentiated from other parts of the city. Divided in two by the Pegnitz River, the district represents a complex architectural ensemble with a maze of historical lanes (e.g. Weissgerbergasse) packed with half-timber houses, linked by centuries-old bridges, such as Maxbrücke, and set against the picturesque backdrops of... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Hitler's Nuremberg Tour
Despite Nuremberg's storybook appearance, the city's not so distant past is rather dark. Back in 1933, amid the rise of the Third Reich, the Nazis worked really hard to leave their stamp on the city, prettifying it and renovating the architecture in a bid to accommodate their massive rallies and bombastic military parades.
In fact, no other city in Germany is more intertwined with the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
In fact, no other city in Germany is more intertwined with the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles