Famous And Undiscovered Sights
The best preserved medieval town in Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber fits the word romantic perfectly. Walk the wall that encircles Rothenburg to get various perspectives of architecture in the middle ages (as well as a lot of exercise). Climb to the top of the Rothenburg Town Hall Tower (circa 1250-1400) for the wide angle view of Rothenburg and surrounding, mostly pastoral countryside. To feel the excitement of a medieval traveler as he approached this then important town, view Rothenburg's incomparable silhouettes from the plateau across the Tauber River Valley (in the direction of the village of Schwarzenbronn) and from the ancient double vaulted bridge on the valley floor. (more text)
The whole walled town of Rothenburg is a museum. The wall connects five medieval gates complete with guard towers that date from the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries. Just walk along Rothenburg's narrow cobblestone streets and admire the gothic, renaissance, and baroque houses and fountains. You may wish that you had lived in these prettier, quieter, slow times. A visit to the Rothenburg Crime Museum, with its extensive display of instruments of torture and execution should bring you back to reality. Besides itself, Rothenburg offers a complete card of good medieval concerts, festivals, plays from the middle ages, guided walks, historic hotels and restaurants, gothic churches, art exhibits, museums, suits of armor, and great Franken wine, to name only a few. (back)
Rothenburg Sights. Click A Red Square To Go To A Description Of The Sight. Site Navigator
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The north wall of Rothenburg connects Klingen Tower and gate (circa 1400) on the West with Galgen Tower and gate (14 century) on the East. Each tower provides steps up to the top of the wall. In medieval times, public executions took place just outside GalgenTor (Gallows Gate) in front of the tower. The fortifications in St. Wolfgang's Church (circa 1475) within the Klingen Gate are open to the public 10 am -12 noon and 2-6 pm (Easter to October) | ||
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The Rothenburg Market Place is bounded by the Town Hall (Rathaus), the Clock Tower (nowdays the Tourist Office),
St Georges Fountain (circa 1608) and shops, cafes and restaurants. The Town Hall consists of two parts. The gothic part (circa 1250-1400) includes the Imperial Hall and the 65 meter high
tower. Climb to the top for a dramatic view of Rothenburg. The renaissance part (circa 1572-1578) faces the Market Place and includes the arched terrace (1681). | ||
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Enter the Rothenburg Vaults
from the Courtyard behind the rathaus. The museum nicely presents costumes, weapons, and scenes of the Thirty Years War between Protestants and Catholics (1618-1648). Explanations are in
German and English. Don't miss the dungeon. Heinrich Toppler, Rothenburg's greatest mayor died in the dungeon in 1408. Open 9am - 6pm (May-October) 10am - 5pm (March-April). | ||
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Enjoy the sights, sounds and traditions of Christmas all year around. The heart of the village is the old fashion German Market Place
complete with timber frame, snow covered houses. Walk the winding cobble stone "streets" under a thousand twinkling stars. German Christmas traditions come alive. Explore the hundreds of
nutcrackers, incense smokers, pyramids, swibbogen, Christmas tree ornaments, rauschgold angels, Christmas nativity scenes and other fine Christmas decorations available to purchase.
Located a few steps from the Rothenburg Rathaus (Town Hall) at Herrengasse 1. Open all year around. Hours: weekdays 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00
a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (May - 24 Dec.). | ||
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Built During The height Of
Rothenburg's Gothic Period, The Jacobs Church Took Over 170 Years To Complete (1311-1484). The Church's Greatest Artistic Treasure Is The Holy Blood Alter Carved By Tilmann
Riemenschneider Between 1499 and 1505. The Alter Gets Its Name From The Rock Crystal Capsule Mounted In The Gold Cross Set In The Alter. Since The Middle Ages, The Capsule Is Said To
Contain Three Drops Of Christ's Blood. If You Like Organ Music, Recitals Are Offered Twice A Week During The Summer. Open: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM (Easter To October), 10:00-12:00 And
2:00-4:00 PM (November To Easter). | ||
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The Markus and White Towers (circa 1172) are the gates to
the original twelfth century Rothenburg. Next to the White Tower, you will find the medieval Jewish Dance Hall. The small adjacent garden has ancient Jewish gravestones built into the stone
wall. | ||
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Enter Rothenburg from the West through the Kobolzeller Gate (circa
1360). Look up to see the so-called Devils Pulpit. Enter Rothenburg from the East through the Röder Tower Gate (circa 1380), the former toll gate with sentry houses. | ||
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The Rothenburg Imperial Castle (circa 1142) was located in what is today called the Castle Garden. The Castle was destroyed in the
earthquake of 1356. The only surviving building, the prison was rebuilt (circa 1400) by Mayor Toppler into the Chapel of St. Blaise. The Burgtor (Castle Gate, circa 1356) leads from the chapel and
garden into Rothenburg Town. It features two round guard houses (16 century), a mask through which Rothenburg defenders would pour hot tar on enemies, and the eye-of-the-needle door within
a door. | ||
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The Rothenburg medieval Crime Museum features the best collection in Europe of antique objects and documents pertaining to crime and
punishment from the twelfth to the nineteenth centuries. It presents, often graphiclly four floors and 2000 square meters of medieval laws, verdicts, punishment and torture devices used to keep
the little people in line. Open: 9:30 AM-6:00 PM (April to October), 2-4 PM (November to February), And 10 AM-4 PM (March). | ||
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Siebers Tower (circa 1385) served as an entrance to
Rothenburg for about 150 years, until the building of the Spital Bastion in the sixteenth century. Walking in through the archway, the visitor arrives at the picturesque Plönlein Triangular
Place. Fishermen once stored their fish in the cages next to the fountain. | ||
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The Double Bridge (early fourteenth century) is a pleasant walk outside of Rothenburg. It is found to the west of the walled town (use Kobolzeller Gate). It was fortified just
after the devastating earthquake of 1356 and formed part of Rothenburg's defenses. | ||
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The Spital Bastion fortification (circa 1586) features a unique figure eight design with two courtyards. The courtyards, various gates, walkways and adjacent
moat are well worth exploring. The inscription over the main gate translates to; Peace to those who enter, farewell to those who leave. | ||
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The Rothenburg Puppet Theater offers a lively puppet show with spirit and humor for everybody. Located next to the
Burg Gate at Herrengasse 38. Shows daily at 3 PM and 8 PM (June - September). Off season; shows at 8 PM Monday thru Saturday and Saturday matinee at 3
PM. Phone 09861-1354, Fax 3941. | ||