The Bavarian city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located almost on the border between the Federal State of Bavaria and the Federal State of Baden-Wurttemberg, approximately 50 kilometres south of Wurzburg. The city stands of the ‘Romantic Road’ which follows traditional north/south trade routes and runs from Warzburg in the north, to Fussen in the south, and passes through what is considered typical historic towns, villages and appealing landscapes. Standing above the River Tauber, the old imperial, hill-top city of Rothenburg is a popular tourist destination due to its original 12th city walls and towers, and the enclosed picturesque town centre which is made up of an abundance of medieval buildings, traditional Franconian half-timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets. Surrounded by a serene landscape of gently rolling hills, this quiet rural centre retains a peaceful and romantic atmosphere which can be enjoyed by simply strolling through the streets and taking time to feel its authenticity.
Sightseeing within Rothenburg is very easy as everything is within walking distance and located totally within the medieval city walls. Using the Market Place as a reference point it is possible to walk around and see most of the attractions and at the same time enjoy the old wealthy patrician houses, such as the ‘Master Builder’s House’ in the Obere Schmiedgasse, where you can stop for a delightful coffee and get the feel of the place. To start off with though, make the effort and visit the Tourist Office, which is in the Market place and climb the tower which is part of the Town Hall, from here you can see the layout of the old town which will help you establish your bearings and plan your walk.
The Market Place, or Marktplatz is located in the centre of the city and is where you will find the Town Hall, or Rathaus that has, apart from its interesting historic vaults, the highest tower in town, from which excellent views over the historic district can be enjoyed. Just to the north stands the impressive 14th century St Jacobs Church with its twin towers, to the west of which is the Imperial City Museum that is housed in a fully restored 13th century Dominican Nunnery. Just a little to the north again will place you at the foot of the Klingentor, a 14th century tower from which all of the town water was distributed. In front of the Klingentor is a bastion and the Church of St. Wolfgang.
To the west of the Marktplatz can be found the gate and tower of the castle and the delightful castle gardens from where you can enjoy great views over the River Tauber and the Tauber Valley. The main original castle was built in the 12th century but was destroyed during an earthquake in 1356, with much of its stone being used for extending the city walls.
To the east of the Marktplatz stands the Weisser Tower which is the oldest tower in the town and was part of the original 12th century city fortifications, and further along this street you will find one of the medieval city gates, the Gallow Gate. Standing almost due south of the Weisser Tower is the Markus Tower, another tower of the earlier 12th century city fortifications, which was once used as a prison and has 2 metre thick walls. Very near the Markus Tower, at Stadtgraben 26, can be found the interesting museum known as ‘Handicraft House’, this quaint building stands much as it did when many of the town’s craftspeople lived and worked here. Moving along Rodergasse you will find the Rodertor, a twin turreted building which was the second gate in the eastern fortifications. This was used as a guard house and customs house. Behind this building stands the massive Gibbet Gate which used to have a drawbridge and still shows the place where hot pitch used to be poured over aggressors. Inside this gate can be found the Puppet Theatre.
Looking south from the Marktplatz is a long cobbled street which will lead you to the Church of St. John the Baptist which dates from the 15th century, adjacent to which stands the Criminal Museum, a unique and interesting museum which traces 1,000 years of legal and criminal history and displays many items of punishment and torture!! Further along this same street can be found the Sieber Tower and on the lower road which leads down to the river is the Kobolzeller Tower. This junction contains several old Franconian half-timbered houses and makes a beautiful scene from the past. Walking straight ahead and at the end of this street will be found the beautiful Stoberlein Tower with its original four turreted roof, and a little further the 13th century Spital Tower and the 17th century Spital Bastion, which overlooks the wooded valley of the Tauber River and the southern aspect of the city. Rothenburg maintains several other buildings such as the former ‘Meat and Dance House’, the ‘Old Forge’, the ‘Hegereiterhaus’, the ‘Jagstheimer House’, the ‘City Councilor’s Tavern’, the ‘Horse Mill’ and the ‘Staudt House and Courtyard’, many of which you will come across just by wandering about. The city is known for having the best preserved medieval city walls in Germany, the ramparts of which can be walked on for almost the whole way around the city.
Rothenburg is home to several other interesting places such as the Museum of Dolls and Toys which displays over 800 dolls produced by French and German specialists over 200 years, the German Christmas Museum and the Model Railway Show.
During the winter the Market Square becomes a glorious attraction with its many lights and the Christmas Market is not to be missed!! Attracting thousands of people the markets create a unique atmosphere and good memories.
|