The Tiergärtnertorplatz at the foot of the Kaiserburg is a popular meeting place for tourists and locals. Especially on mild summer nights, young and old enjoy the unique ambience surrounded by its historic houses, which survived the Second World War almost unscathed. One house dominates the entire square: the Pilatushaus.
The house with its impressive half-timbered facade was built in 1489 by armor maker Hans Grünewald. In 1507 it was bought by the well-known sculptor Veit Wirsberger and thus also became a neighbor of Albrecht Dürer. During the baroque renovation of 1693, the three facades were plastered over the entire surface, which was only removed again in 1939. Of the later residents, Hans von Aufseß, the founder of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, was the best known.
The builder of the Pilatushaus is commemorated by Saint George in his armor on the corner of the house, a copy since 1899. It is no coincidence that it was known for many years under the name "House of the Armored Man".