One of Nuremberg's most fascinating yet least known treasures is the vast network of underground tunnels and cellars known as the Felsengänge. This labyrinth of passageways carved out of sandstone dates back to the Middle Ages, when it served primarily as a place to store and age beer. The tunnels stretch four levels under the Old City, creating a true underground city. During World War II, these cool, temperature-stable spaces were converted into shelters for civilians, protecting thousands of residents from Allied bombing, which destroyed much of the city's historic buildings.

A tour of the Felsengänge is only possible with a guide, which adds an extra dimension to the trip - local guides passionately talk not only about the technical side of tunnel construction, but also about the life of medieval brewers and dramatic moments from the war. The tour lasts about an hour and takes you through the most interesting parts of the underground complex. The temperature in the tunnels remains constant at around 8-10 degrees Celsius all year round, so it's worth taking warmer coverings with you even on hot days.

Not far from the underground tunnels is another hidden treasure - the Historischer Kunstbunker, or historical art bunker. This place played a key role in saving Europe's cultural heritage during World War II. Unlike many other cities, Nuremberg boasted an excellently prepared system for protecting works of art. Priceless works of art, including the famous St. Mary's Altarpiece by Veit Stoss of Krakow, were stored in this underground complex, also carved out of sandstone rock. The stable conditions underground - constant temperature and humidity - were ideal for storing delicate works of art. After the war, all the hidden treasures were returned to their rightful owners, and the bunker remained as a testament to the extraordinary care for cultural heritage even in the darkest times.

For those interested in the darker side of the city's history, a must-see will be a visit to the Mittelalterliche Lochgefängnisse - the medieval prison dungeons located under the city hall building. These gloomy cells, carved into the rock, were where prisoners awaiting trial or execution of their sentence were held. Conditions there were extremely harsh - cramped, damp rooms devoid of sunlight, where prisoners often spent months chained to the walls. A tour of these spaces gives a poignant insight into the medieval justice system and the living conditions of convicts. The dungeons are part of a larger museum complex that tells the story of justice and punishment in medieval Nuremberg.

Among Nuremberg's lesser-known but worth exploring treasures, the Sinwell Tower, a circular tower that is part of the Imperial Castle complex, holds a special place. Its name comes from the Old High German word 'sinwel', meaning 'round', which perfectly reflects its distinctive shape. Erected in the 13th century as a defensive feature, today it offers one of the most beautiful views of the Old City. Climbing the steep spiral staircase can be a bit challenging, but the reward of a panorama of red roofs, narrow streets and majestic churches certainly makes up for the effort. Interestingly, Sinwell Tower survived the bombing of World War II almost unscathed, becoming a symbol of the city's resilience in the face of historical turmoil.

The Sinwell tower overlooks the picturesque Old Town, where another historical treasure is hidden - the Handwerkerhof Nuremberg, or Craftsman's Court. This charming enclave of traditional crafts is located in the shadow of the medieval city walls, right next to the White Tower Gate (Weißer Turm). Handwerkerhof is a place where time seems to have come to a standstill - the narrow streets are surrounded by wooden houses in the Franconian style, where craft workshops still operate today. Here you can admire the work of goldsmiths, potters, glassblowers, doll makers and other handicraftsmen cultivating traditional production methods.

The Craftsmen's Court was established relatively recently - it opened in 1971 as a place celebrating the richness of Nuremberg's craft traditions. Despite its short history, it perfectly captures the atmosphere of a medieval trading town. For lovers of local specialties, it's also an excellent opportunity to sample traditional Nuremberg sausages (Nürnberger Rostbratwürste) or gingerbread (Lebkuchen), which have been the culinary hallmark of the city for centuries. Legend has it that the recipe for Nuremberg's famous gingerbread was brought to the city by merchants traveling the Silk Road and has been closely guarded for generations.

Near the Craftsman's Court is a real gem for lovers of childhood history - the Toy Museum (Spielzeugmuseum). This is one of the most important toy museums in the world, housed in a beautiful Renaissance building. The collection includes toys from different eras and cultures, but special emphasis is placed on the toy-making traditions of Nuremberg itself, which has been famous for its toy production since the Middle Ages. The city was a European center for the production of dolls, miniature kitchens, lead soldiers and wooden figurines.

The museum features unusual exhibits, such as historical dollhouses that are miniature works of art, mechanical toys from the 19th century and the world's first toy railroad produced by the Nuremberg company Bing. Of particular interest is the collection of Käthe Kruse dolls, which revolutionized the toy market in the early 20th century with their realistic appearance and high quality workmanship. The museum presents not only the toys themselves, but also the process of their production and the socio-cultural context of play over the centuries. It's a fascinating journey through the history of childhood that will interest both the youngest and adult visitors.

To complete the list of Nuremberg's seven hidden historical treasures is a place that connects the past with the present and the future - the Street of Human Rights (Straße der Menschenrechte). This remarkable art installation, designed by Israeli artist Dani Karavan, was opened in 1993 as a symbolic reparation for the city's dark pages of history related to the Nazi period. Nuremberg, which was the scene of major NSDAP rallies and the site of the promulgation of the anti-Semitic Nuremberg Laws, became a symbol of justice after the war thanks to the famous Nuremberg Trials, which tried Nazi war criminals.

The Street of Human Rights consists of 27 white columns, two slabs embedded in the ground and one oak tree. Each column is engraved with one of the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in various world languages. The installation forms a symbolic gateway to the Germanisches Nationalmuseum and provides a space for reflection on universal humanist values. It is a place often overlooked by tourists rushing to more famous attractions, yet it carries a powerful message and is an important part of the identity of modern Nuremberg.

It's worth noting that all the sites described form a fascinating mosaic of the city's history - from the medieval Felsengänge underworld, to Renaissance monuments like the Sinwell Tower, to modern installations like the Street of Human Rights. Each tells a different part of Nuremberg's history, creating a multidimensional picture of a city that has experienced both periods of splendor and decline.

Comparing the described attractions in terms of accessibility and the nature of the tour, it is worth noting that the Felsengänge and Historischer Kunstbunker are only available with a guide, which provides in-depth knowledge but limits the spontaneity of the tour. Sinwell Tower and Mittelalterliche Lochgefängnisse, on the other hand, can be visited individually, although climbing the tower can be a challenge for those with limited mobility. The Handwerkerhof and Toy Museum offer a more interactive experience, ideal for families with children, while the Street of Human Rights is a contemplative space, best experienced unhurriedly.

In terms of cost, the cheapest option is to walk down the Street of Human Rights, which is available free of charge 24 hours a day. The Handwerkerhof can also be visited free of charge, though of course shopping for handicrafts or tasting local specialties involves expenses. Other attractions require the purchase of tickets, the most expensive being a tour of the castle complex including the Sinwell Tower. Consider purchasing the Nürnberg Card, which includes admission to most of the places described and can be an economical option for intensive sightseeing.

Regardless of the route you choose, exploring Nuremberg's hidden historical treasures is a fascinating journey through the centuries that allows you to see this Bavarian city from a whole new perspective. Each of the described sites has its own unique atmosphere and tells a different story, together creating a multidimensional picture of a city that for centuries was one of Europe's most important cultural, commercial and political centers.