11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00
45 minutes
Old Town Hall Nuremberg - middle entrance. Town Hall Square 2, 90403 Nuremberg
Children under the age of 10 are not permitted to visit the hole prisons
Hole prisons in the cellar vault of the Old Town Hall
Cancellation & rebooking free of charge up to 24 hours before the booked start time
• Explore authentic medieval torture chambers and prison cells beneath Nuremberg's Old Town Hall dating back to the 14th century
• Witness original torture devices and instruments used during the Middle Ages, including the rack, iron maiden replicas, and thumbscrews
• Learn about medieval justice system, interrogation methods, and the role of executioners in Imperial City Nuremberg
• Walk through narrow underground passages and experience the chilling atmosphere of historic detention facilities
• Discover fascinating stories of famous prisoners and dramatic escape attempts from these subterranean chambers
The Medieval Dungeons Tour Nuremberg offers visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the harsh realities of medieval justice and punishment. Located beneath the historic Old Town Hall, these authentic dungeons served as Nuremberg's primary detention and interrogation facility from 1340 until 1806. The Medieval Dungeons Tour Nuremberg takes guests through twelve perfectly preserved prison cells and torture chambers, where accused criminals awaited trial and endured questioning. These underground chambers represent one of the best-preserved examples of medieval judicial architecture in Europe, providing invaluable insights into the legal practices of the Holy Roman Empire. During the Medieval Dungeons Tour Nuremberg, knowledgeable guides explain how these facilities operated within the context of medieval law, where torture was considered a legitimate means of extracting confessions and determining guilt.
The Medieval Dungeons Tour Nuremberg reveals the grim reality of medieval incarceration through its collection of original torture devices and meticulously reconstructed instruments. Visitors encounter the notorious stretching bench, water torture equipment, and various restraining devices that were employed according to strict legal protocols. Each cell within the Medieval Dungeons Tour Nuremberg tells a different story, from the relatively comfortable quarters reserved for wealthy prisoners who could afford better conditions, to the cramped, dark holes where common criminals languished. The tour highlights how social status dramatically influenced treatment within these walls. Expert guides during the Medieval Dungeons Tour Nuremberg explain the symbolism behind different torture methods and their connection to specific crimes, offering historical context that helps modern visitors understand the medieval mindset regarding justice, punishment, and social order.
The Medieval Dungeons Tour Nuremberg serves as more than just a macabre attraction; it functions as an important educational experience about human rights evolution and judicial progress. These dungeons witnessed centuries of Nuremberg's history, from medieval times through the city's prominence as a Free Imperial City to its eventual integration into Bavaria. The Medieval Dungeons Tour Nuremberg emphasizes how these chambers reflect broader European attitudes toward crime and punishment during the Middle Ages. Preserved artifacts, original architectural features, and detailed exhibitions help visitors understand why Nuremberg's justice system was considered advanced for its time, despite methods that seem barbaric today. By experiencing the Medieval Dungeons Tour Nuremberg, guests gain appreciation for modern legal protections and human rights standards while learning about the complex social, religious, and political factors that shaped medieval justice systems throughout Central Europe.