St Mary's Church is the main landmark of the central Hauptmarkt, although its size is nowhere near that of St Laurence's or St Sebald's.

The Frauenkirche was built at the instigation of Emperor Charles IV, who had the Marian Church built to praise his empire and honour the Mother of God.

Architecture and history

St. Mary's Church in Nuremberg was built in a very short period of time between 1351 and 1361. It is an example of typical brick Gothic architecture with a simple exterior and interior. The decoration is not very distinctive and is mainly limited to stained glass windows.

At first glance, the rather strange shape without additions with only a nave and a very small tower catches the eye.

The Nuremberg Astronomical Clock

The gable of the church is decorated with a small astronomical clock, called in German Männleinlaufen.

However, the astronomical clock only sounds once a day, always at noon. First the trumpeters blow the trumpets and then the statue of the Emperor is circled by 7 figures of the Electors. The astronomical clock has been in operation since 1509.