This past Saturday I was lucky enough to meet up with some amazing bloggers in the area and we explored the Nürnberg Easter Market. Together with Betsy from Java Cupcake and Melissa from MilliGFunk, we went up and down every dang aisle of the market to check out all the incredible vendors.
I was excited to be there right at noon when the gothic-style Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) chimed noon and the figures under the clock sprung to life. Some quick research on German Wikipedia tells me that the clock was installed in 1506 and it depicts the Holy Roman Emperor being circled by “prince-electors.” Holy history, batman!
Since this was my first time in Nürnberg, I just HAD to do some more historical research after I got home. In the 12th century Nürnberg main market square was just crappy marsh land where the Jews were forced to settle. And the current location of the beautiful Frauenkirche Cathedral is where the Jewish synagogue used to be. What would the 12 century Jewish families think of our present day Easter market?!
Below is a photo of the square in 1707. It has hardly changed! Even in the early 18th century this was an area set up with vendors just like it was last Saturday when we went.
And in the early 20th century it was a popular rally location for the Nazi party. In 1933 it was rechristened “Adolf Hitler Platz.” The photo below is from 1934 when troops from the Nazi party were deploying.
There was a ton of damage done to the square during World War II, but the Germans are nothing if not efficient when it comes to restoration.
Today the marketplace boasts year round markets throughout the seasons. The Easter holiday is no exception and it is truly beautiful! We saw so many traditional German Easter decorations, many hand-made.
I absolutely adore watching vendors in the midst of their creations. Even with a language barrier I see many of their faces light up while talking about their products. This woman had some incredible sweaters and a million other items made with yarn. The man in the photo below makes some unbelievable pieces with wood.
It’s also really fun to see the different artistic personalties, ranging from proud and confident to shy and bashful. The man below was more of a salesman selling commercially made (although traditionally German, many wooden) toys. He was very friendly and even struck up a conversation with me in German, to which I just smiled :)
The food was also incredible! I had some freshly made kettle chips, corn on the cob (on a stick), and some fresh bread that was made right there at the vendor stand.
This is the Schöner Brunnen, which was getting worked on so it was partly covered up. Still beautiful!
Here are some photos of the cool Easter paraphernalia I picked up at the market.
My son adores the little Easter bunny :)
If you are in the area and want to check out the market, it will be running through Easter Monday!
And don’t forget to check out the amazing photos of the Easter market at Java Cupcake + MilliGFunk!
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Java Cupcake is a Baking, Life + DIY Blog
