Nuremberg: a Walk Through the History of Crime

Nuremberg’s past is marked by a complex history of crime and punishment. Within its medieval walls, visitors can explore the city’s dark legacy, uncovering the chilling stories of past executions, witch trials, and the notorious hangman Franz Schmidt. From the Henkerhaus Museum to the Lochgefängnisse prisons, this historical journey reveals the grim realities faced by the accused in Nuremberg’s justice system. What secrets lie behind these haunting sites, waiting to be discovered?

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Key Points

The Henkerhaus Museum provides a chilling glimpse into Nuremberg’s executioners, including the infamous Franz Schmidt who carried out over 350 executions.
The Hangman’s House, former residence of Franz Schmidt, offers insights into the life and work of Nuremberg’s notorious executioner.
Nuremberg’s witch hunts in the 16th and 17th centuries resulted in the execution of approximately 200 individuals accused of witchcraft.
The Old City Hall showcases the harsh realities of Nuremberg’s medieval justice system, with detailed explanations of sentencing processes and unique forms of punishment.
The Lochgefängnisse "pit prisons" and Schuldturm, where debtors were housed, highlight the grim conditions and harsh judicial practices in Nuremberg’s past.

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Henkerhaus Museum: Nuremberg’s Infamous Hangman

The tour begins at the Henkerhaus Museum, which was once the home of Nuremberg’s notorious executioners.

Visitors will learn about Franz Schmidt, the city’s most famous hangman who served for over 40 years in the 16th century. Schmidt executed over 350 people, including heretics, murderers, and thieves.

Nuremberg’s notorious executioner Franz Schmidt executed over 350 people in the 16th century, including heretics, murderers, and thieves.

Guests will explore the museum’s chilling display of execution devices and explore the grim duties of the town’s executioners.

The tour highlights how the hangman and his family were both feared and revered, as they carried out Nuremberg’s medieval justice system with efficiency and precision.

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The Hangman’s House: The Notorious Franz Schmidt

Visitors next venture to the notorious Hangman’s House, once home to Nuremberg’s most infamous executioner, Franz Schmidt.

From 1573 to 1617, Schmidt carried out over 350 judicial executions and thousands of other punishments. The guide explains how this skilled swordsman carried out such gruesome work with precision.

Although feared, Schmidt maintained detailed records, which provide a unique window into the medieval justice system.

Visitors peer into the dark, dank rooms where Schmidt lived and worked, gaining insights into his life and the brutality of the era.

The house serves as a sobering reminder of Nuremberg’s grim history.

Witch Hunts in Nuremberg: The Weinmarkt Trials

From the notorious Hangman’s House, the tour proceeds to the Weinmarkt, where the guide delves into the chilling history of witch hunts in Nuremberg.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city conducted over 300 witch trials, resulting in the execution of around 200 individuals accused of witchcraft.

The Weinmarkt, a bustling marketplace, served as the site for many of these executions.

The guide recounts the hysteria surrounding the trials, the use of torture to extract confessions, and the impact these events had on the local community.

Participants gain a sobering understanding of this dark chapter in Nuremberg’s past.

Navigating the Medieval Justice System: Inside the Old City Hall

After exploring the dark history of the Weinmarkt, the tour continues to the Old City Hall, where participants explore the medieval justice system of Nuremberg. The guide explains the intricate workings of this institution, from the sentencing process to the unique forms of punishment. A table outlining the medieval justice system further enhances the understanding:

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The tour offers a chilling yet captivating glimpse into the harsh realities of crime and punishment in medieval Nuremberg.

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Lochgefängnisse: Uncovering the Medieval Prison

The medieval prison known as the Lochgefängnisse stands as a haunting reminder of Nuremberg’s turbulent past.

Descending into the damp, dimly-lit cells, visitors can almost feel the despair that permeated these underground dungeons. Prisoners were crammed into these cramped quarters, deprived of sunlight and basic necessities.

The prison’s name, "Lochgefängnisse," translates to "pit prisons," aptly describing the grim conditions. Torture was commonplace, and many inmates never saw the light of day again.

This dark chapter of Nuremberg’s history offers a sobering glimpse into the harsh realities of medieval justice and the human suffering it entailed.

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Crimes and Punishments at the Hauptmarkt

As visitors reach the expansive Hauptmarkt, the central market square of Nuremberg, they’re confronted with the reality that this historic site bore witness to not only everyday commerce, but also grim acts of criminality and capital punishment.

Executions were carried out here, with public whippings, beheadings, and even burnings at the stake. The square’s proximity to the Fleisch Bridge also provided a grim reminder of corporal punishment, as criminals were sometimes dragged across the bridge to their place of execution.

Today, the Hauptmarkt hosts the famous Christkindlesmarkt, but its history remains a sobering testament to Nuremberg’s past.

Schuldturm: The Debtors’ Tower

Visitors reach the final stop of the guided tour, the Schuldturm or Debtors’ Tower. This medieval prison once held those who couldn’t pay their debts. The tower’s stark exterior reflects its grim purpose.

Inside, guides describe the deplorable conditions – no windows, poor ventilation, and limited food. Debtors were sometimes held for years, forced to work menial jobs to pay off their debts.

The guide explains how the tower exemplified Nuremberg’s harsh judicial system, where even minor infractions could lead to severe punishments.

As the tour concludes, visitors reflect on the city’s complex history of crime and punishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for children, as it focuses on the history of crime and punishment, which could be disturbing or inappropriate for younger audiences. However, discretion is advised for families interested in the tour.

Can the Tour Be Booked in English?

While the tour is primarily offered in German, the provider does offer English-language options upon request and advance booking. Customers can inquire about English-speaking guides when reserving the tour to accommodate their language preferences.

Do We Get to See the Actual Gallows Used?

The tour does not include a visit to the actual gallows used in Nuremberg’s history. Instead, it focuses on exploring historic sites related to the city’s criminal justice system and punishment methods through guided storytelling and museum visits.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a significant amount of walking, covering several key sites in Nuremberg’s Old Town over the 2-hour duration. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for an active, guided exploration of the city’s historical crime locations.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is fixed, and there’s no option to customize it. However, the tour’s flexible booking and cancellation policy allows guests to reserve and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Sum Up

Nuremberg’s dark history of crime and punishment is a complex and haunting narrative. The city’s medieval justice system, marked by witch hunts and brutal punishments, has left a profound impact on its historical landscape. From the Henkerhaus Museum to the Schuldturm, visitors can explore the chilling realities faced by the accused, uncovering the societal fears and moral dilemmas that shaped Nuremberg’s grim past.