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Church · Nuremberg, Baviera
Frauenkirche
Gothic 14th‑century church on the Hauptmarkt, built at the command of Emperor Charles IV. On the façade is the Männleinlaufen, a clock with figures that move at noon.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche, Church of Our Lady, occupies the east side of the Hauptmarkt. It was built between 1352 and 1362 at the order of Emperor Charles IV, on the site of the synagogue destroyed in the 1349 pogrom. A Star of David engraved with the year 1349, set in the choir floor, commemorates the murdered Jewish community.
It is the first Gothic hall church in Franconia, with three naves of equal height. Inside it houses historic stained glass and works brought from other city churches, such as the Tucheraltar. Largely destroyed in World War II, it was restored up to 1953 and serves as a Catholic parish church.
On the west façade is the Männleinlaufen, a mechanical clock from 1509. Every day at noon, after the bells, the figures of the seven prince-electors circle the emperor three times, in memory of the Golden Bull of 1356, the law that regulated imperial elections. During the war the mechanism was kept in an underground shelter.
The balcony above the entrance is used at the opening of the Christkindlesmarkt, when the Christkind reads the prologue to the filled square.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Twenty to thirty minutes for the interior. A few more minutes in the square for the Männleinlaufen.
Best time
Shortly before noon to see the clock and enter immediately afterward. The interior is quieter early in the morning. Avoid Mass times.
How to get there
It's on the Hauptmarkt itself, in the old town center, about a 15‑minute walk from Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof.
Tip
Arrive about 10 minutes before noon and stand facing the façade, a short distance back, to see all the figures of the clock. Church in use: keep quiet and dress modestly.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Frauenkirche
What time does the Männleinlaufen occur?
The clock moves every day at noon, after the chimes. Arrive a few minutes early to secure a spot in the square.
Is there an entrance fee for the Frauenkirche?
The church is used for parish services and admission is usually free. Respect service times and check before you go.
Why is there a Star of David in the church?
The church was built on the site of the synagogue destroyed in the pogrom of 1349. The star on the choir floor commemorates the city's medieval Jewish community.