Mauthalle, Medieval customs house in Nuremberg, Germany.
The Mauthalle is a three-story Gothic sandstone building with characteristic gables and elaborate arches that showcase medieval craftsmanship. The structure stretches about 84 meters and demonstrates the architectural skill of medieval Nuremberg.
The building was constructed in 1498 as one of the city's grain storage facilities. In 1572 it became a customs house where officials collected taxes on merchant goods passing through the city.
The building displays heraldic symbols that point to the important trading relationships Nuremberg once maintained through this place. The rooms today reflect how central this house was to the city's economic life.
The basement, supported by 26 stone columns, now houses a restaurant where visitors can enjoy local dishes in a historic setting. The building sits centrally in the old town and is easy to access.
In medieval times, roof hoists at both narrow ends of the building allowed workers to lift and store grain through openings in the structure. This practical solution shows how cleverly medieval craftsmen designed their buildings for their specific tasks.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.