Nuremberg was an early center of humanism, science, printing, and mechanical invention. The city contributed much to the science of astronomy. Printers and publishers have a long history in Nuremberg. Many of these publishers worked with well-known artists of the day to produce books that could also be considered works of art. In 1470 Anton Koberger opened Europe's first print shop in Nuremberg. In 1493, he published the Nuremberg Chronicles, also known as the World Chronicles (Schedelsche Weltchronik), an illustrated history of the world from the creation to the present day. Others furthered geographical knowledge and travel by map making. Notable among these was navigator and geographer Martin Behaim, who made the first world globe. Famous Nuremberg artists like Albrecht Dürer, Veit Stoss, Adam Kraft and Peter Vischer created great pieces of art, Hans Sachs wrote his popular comedies, poems and tragedies and Peter Henlein made the first pocket watch. The cultural flourishing of Nuremberg in the 15th and 16th centuries made it the center of the German Renaissance.In the 19th century entrepreneurial spirit brought back economic revival into the city of Nuremberg. The symbol for Nuremberg as the “Industrial heart of Bavarie” during that time was the “Adler” - the first German train, connecting Nuremberg with the neighboring town of Fürth in 1835. Nuremberg managed to maintain this economic power until the onset of World War II.

Thousands of lives and massive destruction were the costs that the city had to pay for the megalomania of Nazi Germany. From 1933 to 1938 the regime held its yearly propaganda parades in Nuremberg, which made Nuremberg the “City of the Party Rallies”. The Nazis had chosen the “Treasure Chest of the German Empire” on purpose to impose a supposed traditional link between this former imperial town of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and the Third Reich.
From 1945 to 1949 leading criminals of the Nazi dictatorship were charged and judged in Nuremberg – known as the “Nuremberg Trials”.

Economy
In the nineteenth century Nuremberg became the "industrial heart" of Bavaria with companies such as Siemens and MAN establishing a strong base in the city. Nuremberg is still an important industrial center with a strong standing in the markets of Central and Eastern Europe. Items manufactured in the area include electrical equipment, mechanical and optical products, motor vehicles, and printed materials. The city is also strong in the fields of automation, energy, and medical technology. Siemens is still the largest industrial employer in the Nuremberg region but a good third of German market research agencies is also located in the city. The Nuremberg International Toy Fair is the largest of its kind in the world. The city also hosts several specialist hi-tech fairs every year, attracting experts from every corner of the globe.

The imperial castle is a visual testimony to the cities historic past that can be seen from afar. The observer can relive the golden age from the 14th to 16th centuries in the buildings and artwork of the former free imperial city of Nuremberg.
The five kilometres long city wall, built in the 14th and 15th centuries is evidence of Nuremberg's importance and provides, even today an impressive setting for the Old Town. The artistic impact of Albrecht Dürer, Veit Stoß, Peter Vischer and many other artists together with the patronage of wealthy patrician families still characterize present day Nuremberg.
The Industrial Age, the Wilhelminian and Art Nouveau styles can be seen in the buildings and industrial monuments as can the names of major German companies that were founded in the city and are still successful today. But wealth also invites abuse. It’s great past made Nuremberg the model German city of National Socialism. The National Socialist Party Rallies and Race Laws are just as indelibly linked with the city of Nuremberg just as the Nuremberg Trials against the major war criminals of the NS regime, marking the beginning of international criminal jurisdiction. Dealing with this legacy responsibly and openly has become the task of the city and its citizens. Nuremberg's exemplary commitment towards a city of peace and human rights has been recognized throughout the world.

Nuremberg Highlights - the Christmas Market
"Nuremberg, Germanys Number One Christmas City" (Source: German Centre for Tourism) is more than enough reason to visit the Franconia Metropolis. The special charm of the most traditional Christmas market in Germany lays in the historical backdrop of Nuremberg’s Main Market Square, the Church of Our Lady and the Beautiful Fountain with views of the gothic Old Town Churches of St. Lawrence and St. Sebald. The traditional offers of Nuremberg Lebkuchen (Gingerbread), Früchtebrot (Fruit loaf), Nuremberg Bratwürsten (Nuremberg Grilled Sausages) Glühwein (Mulled Wine) and the sparkling market stalls provide the visitor with a real seasonal atmosphere. Nuremberg extends a warm and welcoming hand to all its guests providing an unforgettable experience for all the family both young and old.

The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is the most famous event in Nuremberg and is also famous well beyond the boarders of Europe. The “City of Wood and Cloth” always opens its gates on the Friday before the first Advent.