The pretty town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Rothenburg on the river Tauber), is about 166km east of Heidelberg and is a 2 hour drive. We spent about 3-4 hours exploring this town before we drove to Munich. There was a parking lot within walking distance of the city center. We joined a 90 min guided tour that takes you through the historic old town starting at Market Square (Marktplatz) in front of Town Hall @2pm. Stepping into this square feels like entering an ancient European city. It is impossible to focus on one particular mansion as each building bordering Marktplatz surpasses the previous one.
Walk around the medieval Town Walls – Originally built in 13-14th century and rebuilt after World War II bombings, it is 1.5 miles long, and goes around the entire city. There are a number of places around the city, mainly at the towers, where one can climb up on to the walls, and then walk along them.
Plönlein or the “Little Square” – This is one of the most photographed and picturesque spot in the town of Rothenburg. Plönlein, translated as “Little Square” is actually just an intersection, with many pretty and colorful buildings, and with the crooked yellow timber framed 13th century house in the centre. The square also includes the 2 towers Kobolzeller and Siebers. This place, as you can see is also a meeting of two roads.
Castle Gate – This gate is historical landmark that is situated at the entrance of Rothenburg. the Castle Gate comprises two distinctive round buildings, both constructed prior to 1600. One of these structures functioned as a guard house, housing the town’s defenders who were responsible for protecting the inhabitants. The other building served as the customs house, where travelers entering the town from the Tauber valley had to pay a toll before proceeding further.
Rothenburg Castle, originally built around 1142 in the Burg garden, held great historical significance for the town. Although the castle was largely destroyed, one of the original buildings was reconstructed by Heinrich Toppler, the mayor, around 1400. In the Burg garden, a stone stands in honor of Heinrich Toppler, preserving his memory and contribution to the restoration of the castle.
The Gates and Towers in Rothenburg ob der Tauber – Rothenburg, like other medieval cities in Germany, Rothenburg was fortified with walls and towers to protect the residents inside from attack. There are a total of 42 towers and 6 gates. You will walk through most of them as you stroll around the town.
Klingentor Tower – Constructed between 1395 and 1400, the imposing Klingentor forms a gate in the town walls. It also served as a water tower. It contains a huge copper tank that feeds the town’s fountains. You can climb it for a small fee to see views across the town and Tauber Valley.
St Jakob’s Kirche (St James church) – This Lutheran (originally Catholic) church was built between 1311 and 1484. The church was consecrated in 1485
The High Altar of St. Jakob’s Kirche, known as the Twelve Apostles Altar, was carved in1466 by Friedrich Herlin. The oldest portrayal of the city and exceptional images of the Jakobs pilgrim legend are found on the altar’s reverse side. The stained glass windows behind the altar, in the east chancel, are adorned with images from 1350-1400 AD. Scenes of the life of the Virgin Mary are in the left window, whereas scenes of Christ’s work of redemption and sacraments are found in the right window. Both of these works were created in approximately 1400 AD. The central window (dated circa 1350) shows scenes from Christ’s life and passion, and all have survived the ravages of time and war.
Medieval Crime Museum – This fascinating museum deals with more than 1,000 years of crime and punishment in Europe, particularly during the medieval period. Highlights include artifacts used to extract confessions and inflict punishment, many of them extremely gruesome. Also interesting is the fascinating documentation and details pertaining to the reason behind their use.