Nuremberg, Bavaria's second city, first pops up in the history
books in 1050 as a stronghold of the Franks, and later became the
unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Nuremberg was also the
centre of the German Renaissance, although in the 20th century it
became associated with the Nazis; huge rallies were held here, and
Nazi officials were later tried and convicted at the Nuremberg
Trials. Happily Nuremberg has bounced back from those dark days,
and nowadays the city is a tourist magnet thanks to the beautifully
restored old town, Christmas markets and excellent beer.