At the beginning of the 14th century, the Nurembergers wanted to unite two city fortifications.
For this, they have built, amongst another constructions, a bridge which is called till today Hangman’s Bridge (in German: Henkersteg).
The bridge got its unusual name because at the one of its ends, there was the apartment of the executioner located which was in the hangman tower. The tower, in turn, was located on a small island because of one reason:
As the occupation of the executioner was considered dishonourable, the hangman was banished to the island. The citizens would be afraid of being expelled from the Christian community if they came in contact with the hangman. Thus, if the executioner had to his duty, he would need to leave the island over the “Henkersteg”.
Today, the covered wooden walkway is a popular photography spot, together with the hangman’s tower. On the small island (which is called Pegnitzinsel) where the hangman used to live, in now a place of popular flea markets.
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