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Northern Gates
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 Town Square
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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Historical Vaults
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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The Christmas Village
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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St. Jakob's Church
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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Earliest Towers
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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West And East GatesEnter 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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Burg Gate & Garden
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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Figuren-Theater (Puppet Theater) |
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Medieval Crime MuseumThe 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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SiebersTower and PlönleinSiebers 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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Medieval Double BridgeThe 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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Spital BastionThe 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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