The Imperial Castle atop the rocky promontory above Nuremberg
was one of the most important fortified imperial palaces of the
Old Holy Roman Empire. The castle and the city served as the
location for numerous imperial assemblies. From 1356 on the
"Golden Bull" of Emperor Charles IV provided that every newly
elected future ruler must hold his first imperial Diet in
Nuremberg. Moreover, from 1424 the imperial regalia were safely
kept in Nuremberg. Nuremberg was a very popular residence for
the rulers in the age of the itinerant kingships and up until
the 30 Years' War it was the central location of the empire.
Deep Well and Sinwell Tower The Deep Well is spectacular. The
well house is located in the center of the outer bailey. The
shaft of the well was hewn into the rock to a depth of 47
meters. A highlight of the visit is also the round Sinwell Tower
("sinwell" Middle High German = very round), which was built as
a keep for the Imperial Castle in the 2nd half of the 13th
century; the topmost storey and the int