Germany · Bavaria - Kaiserburg Nürnberg

Kaiserburg Nürnberg is not a single palace, but a historically developed castle complex comprising the actual Kaiserburg, the former burgrave’s castle and parts belonging to the city. The complex is situated on a sandstone rock above Nürnberg’s Old Town. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages; under the Hohenstaufen rulers, it was expanded into a representative imperial castle. Surviving components include the Romanesque double chapel, Sinwellturm and Tiefen Brunnen.

In the Holy Roman Empire (Heiliges Römisches Reich), Nürnberg was one of the most important imperial cities. Kaiserburg served as a place of residence for kings and emperors during their travels, but was not a permanently inhabited residence. From here, they could visibly demonstrate their rule over the Empire and conduct political affairs. Imperial Diets (Reichstage) and court assemblies were held in Nürnberg. The city was also closely connected with the ceremonial exercise of imperial power: according to the Golden Bull (Goldene Bulle) of 1356, the newly elected king was to hold his first Imperial Diet in Nürnberg. The Imperial Regalia (Reichskleinodien) were also kept in the city for a long period.

Over the course of the early modern period, the castle lost its function as a central place of residence for the rulers. Its historical status, however, remained associated with the memory of the medieval Empire and with the development of Nürnberg as an imperial city. During the Second World War, the complex was severely damaged and subsequently restored while preserving its historical appearance.

The choice of Kaiserburg is linked to the German 2-euro series featuring the federal states, in which each federal state is represented by a characteristic building or landmark. For Bavaria, it thus represents a place that illustrates the history of Nürnberg, the medieval imperial constitution and the political role of the present-day federal state within the former imperial territory. The castle also provides a clearly recognisable motif for the representation of Bavaria in this coin series.