St. Sebald Kirche is one of the three most important churches in Nuremberg and is the oldest of the large churches.

It is dedicated to the patron saint of Nuremberg, St. Sebald, and belongs to the Lutheran Evangelical Church.

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It stands on Albrecht-Dürer-Platz and is a landmark of the right bank of the Old Town.

Architecture and history

St. Sebald's has perhaps the most interesting form of all the great churches in Nuremberg and is also the oldest. It was begun in 1225 and completed in 1275. The architectural style of this part of the building is purely Romanesque and the character of the Romanesque basilica remains clearly visible in the front of the nave to this day.

Between 1358 and 1379, the church was significantly enlarged by a large Gothic extension, which almost exceeds the front Romanesque part of the church by a quarter.

During the 15th century, the original Romanesque towers were demolished and a slender Gothic bell tower over 70 metres high was built.

The church is particularly interesting when viewed from the side, where the high rear Gothic part, the low front Romanesque part and again the Gothic towers in the façade itself are clearly visible.

Admission and opening hours

The church is open to the public daily between 9:30am and 6pm from April to December, or until 4pm from January to March.

Admission to the church is free.

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