Rothenburg o.d.T.
Medieval City
As you walk up to the medieval wall of Rothenburg, you are transported back centuries to the days when civil unrest and darkness ruled the land. Rothenburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities.
The original cobblestone streets, half-timbered buildings, and formidable battlements are from a time long past. Like the shell of a nautilus, the architecture of the city evolves, starting with Roman in the center and working its way to the medieval perimeter. Here, however, at is medieval zenith, Rothenburg was frozen, to forever preserve for us a taste of the dark ages.
Night Watchman
One of the best ways in which to experience Rothenburg is at Night with the Night Watchman Tour. Historically medieval cities like Rothenburg had to be careful at night. This was the time that free-roaming violent tribes and armies would try to overtake cites, looting them of their wealth and provisions. The Night Watchman was an armed guard who shut the gates at dark, then stood sentinel over the resting city. For centuries these Night Watchman kept the city safe. The citizens have kept this tradition alive and now the Night Watchman gives tours at dusk of the medieval city. Rothenburg is an infusion of dark history with the present.
A Perfect Day in Rothenburg:
A perfect day in Rothenburg begins with a walking tour to all the highlights of this historical city including St.-Jacobs-Church. Two of the highlights of the day will be a visit to the world-famous Christmas Store of Käthe Wohlfahrt and a visit to the German Christmas Museum. Following this little bit of Christmas, you will visit the Reichsstadtmusem, the Medieval Crime Museum and the Doll and Toy Museum. For a longer stay, a hike along the Tauber Valley is a wonderful addition.
Museums and Churches
Historical Rothenburg
In Rothenburg you will find a lot of museums and churches give you impressions in the former Rothenburg. Take the opportunity for a visit and to find detailed information abou the history of
Rothenburg Imperial City Museum
Klosterhof 5, phone: +49(0)9861-939043
The former Dominican nunnery convent houses the collections of Rothenburg's arts and culture. Paintings, sculptures and furniture from nine centuries as well as a section of medieval jewish life and archeological findings are to be seen here. Particulary noteworthy are: the oldest convent kitchen in Germany, the so-called "Rothenburg Passion" (1494) and the old paintings by Arthur Wasse, showing romantic views of the city. Recently, the "Baumann collection" with weapons and armors of superior quality has become one of the most important exhibition items. Further Infomation: http://www.reichsstadtmuseum.rothenburg.de/
Medievial Crime Museum
Burggasse 3, phone: +49(0)9861-5359
The most important museum of legal history in Germany, the Medieval Crime Museum offers an impressive insight into the legal conditions govering the lives of our forefathers. Further information: www.kriminalmuseum.rothenburg.de
German Christmas Museum
Herrngasse 1, phone: +49(0)9861-409365
Discover the history of this family celebration on more than 2750 sqaure feet. Christmas tree ornaments from different eras, a unique exhibition of historic nutcrackers and Father Christmas figures from the 19th and 20th century - the German Christmas Museum creates a bond with our ancestors' Christmas traditions. Further information: www.weihnachtsmuseum.de
Dolls and Toy Museum
Hofbronnengasse 13, phone: +49(0)9861-7330
An enchanting world is to be seen at the Dolls and Toy Museum, the biggest private collection of its kind in Germany. And it won't just be the children whose hearts will beat faster at the sight of the old dolls house. Further information: www.spielzeugmuseum.rothenburg.de
Handicrafts House
Alter Stadtgraben 26, phone: +49(0)9861-94280
With original artifacts, the Rothenburg Handicrafts House presents the working and social world of an ordinary citizen. Many generations and trades have left their mark here.
Historical Vaults Town Hall
Lichthof, phone: +49(0)9861-86751
The era of the Thirty Years War is brought back to life in the Historical Vaults of the Town Hall. The dark dungeons are where Rothenburg's most powerful Lord Mayor, Heinrich Toppler, met his death in 1408.
St. Jakob’s Church
Klostergasse 15, phone: +49(0)9861-700620
Most important church in town, St. Jacob impresses not only because of the towers, but also of its interior with two altars made by the famous wood carver, Tilman Riemenschneider. Another gem is the high altar by Friedrich Herlin.
Tower of the town hall Rathaus
Marktplatz, phone: +49(0)9861-404-177
Highest tower of the town hall with an excellent view on the old town, can be reached by the main entrance of the town hall.
Toppler Castle
Taubertalweg 100, phone: +49(0)9861-7358
Former water castle, built in 1388 by the most famous Lord Mayor, Heinrich Toppler, can be reached via castle gardens.
St. Wolfgang’s Church
Klingenbastei
Also known as the Shepherds Church, the gothic St.-Wolfgangs-Church had a double function. With its embrasures and underground casemates, it was also part of the Klingengate fortifications. The "Schäfertanzkabinett" can be visited, too. www.schaefertanzrothenburg.de
Franciscan Church
Herrngasse, phone: +49(0)9861-700620
Oldest church in Rothenburg, built 1285, with another altar carved by Tilman Riemenschneider.
Church of St. Peter and Paul
OT Detwang , phone: +49(0)9861-5524
Located in Detwang, the oldest part of Rothenburg. This Romanesque style church was built around 968 and had many later alterations. The Crucifixion Altar (1510) by Riemenschneider, relic cross, Gothic Sacraments' niche and the octagonal funeral light are all of great interest.
Christmas Museum
Information: www.weihnachtsmuseum.de
Crime Museum
One of the largest attractions of Rothenburg include the Torture and Crime Museum, an extensive collection of authentic paraphernalia once used to inflict unthinkable acts of cruelty and pain.
Despite this dark reminder of medieval life, visitors to Rothenburg can enjoy luxury hotels. Rothenburg also hosts performing groups and has a beautiful Christmas Market during the Holiday Season.
Masterdraught
At Pentecost, hundreds of townsfolk put on their costumes and take part either on the stage in the Imperial Hall playing the historical piece "Meistertrunk" (The Master draught), as troops on standby duty in the market square or celebrating in the open encampment. Thousands of spectators pepper the streets when medieval military parade goes by, with its pairs of foot soldiers, ists bands and its colourful civilian following, winding its way to the fairground.
More in formation: www.meistertrunk.de