Nuremberg
The unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire and a centre of art and innovation.
Nuremberg is the second-largest city in the German state of Bavaria and the largest city in the cultural region of Franconia. Its 546,397 (2024) inhabitants make it the 13th-largest city in Germany. Situated on the Pegnitz, the city forms a continuous conurbation with the neighbouring cities of Fürth, Erlangen and Schwabach, with the built-up area comprising around 1.4 million inhabitants, while the larger Nuremberg Metropolitan Region has a population of approximately 3.6 million.
Quick Facts
- Rivalry name
- The Bavarian Derby
- Nürnberg honours (dfb-pokal)
- 9
- Bayern munich honours (bundesliga)
- 33+
- Historical context
- Oldest rivalry in German football
Lore & Background
First mentioned in 1050, Nuremberg developed around an imperial castle into one of the most important cities of the Holy Roman Empire. It became a Free Imperial City in the 13th century. Owing to its political significance, imperial diets were frequently held there, and the Imperial Regalia were kept in the city from 1424 until the end of the empire. During the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Nuremberg was also a centre of art, publishing, and scientific innovation, and was associated with figures such as Albrecht Dürer, Martin Behaim, Johann Pachelbel, and Hans Sachs. In the 20th century, it became known as the site of the Nuremberg rallies and, after the Second World War, the Nuremberg trials.
Reader's Guide
Nuremberg is a major centre of transport, education, and commerce in northern Bavaria. It is served by Nuremberg Airport, the second-busiest airport in Bavaria. Institutions of higher education in Nuremberg include the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany's 11th-largest university, Technische Hochschule Nürnberg, Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg, and the newly founded University of Technology Nuremberg. Nuremberg is known for its well-preserved medieval heritage, including Nuremberg Castle, the Old Town, and the city walls. It is an important cultural centre, with institutions such as the Staatstheater Nürnberg and the Staatsphilharmonie Nürnberg. 1. FC Nürnberg is among Germany's most successful football clubs. Nuremberg was one of the host cities of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
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