Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Across from the Markt is the St.Georges Fountain is one of many water reservoirs in the city, although at eight feet deep this the largest fountain in the city.  There were many similar fountains in Rothenburg that were for drinking water  and fire control.  Narrow winding lanes and timbered houses made medieval cities tinderboxes and ample water for fighting fires was a necessity.

In late November and most of December, the Markt is the site of the town's Christmas Market (Reiterlesmarkt), which is reputed to be one of the oldest in Germany.  The Markt is crowded most of the year, but during the Christmas season it is even more popular.

There are several restaurants, bakeries and shops in this area, but one of the most popular attractions is Käthe Wohlfahrts Weihnachtsdorf (Christmas Village), located at #1 Herngasse.  The shop, which is open year round, offers a variety of Christmas and holiday season collectibles.  The prices are high, but the quality of the items for sale is excellent. In addition, a German Christmas Museum is part of the setting.

One interesting exterior feature of the building is that one end of it was arched over a small lane, which continues to be used for transportation today.

The compact Franziskanerkirche (Franciscan Church) on Herrngasse is the city’s oldest church by two years and includes an altar by Tilman Riemenschneider (the Franziskusaltar (1490). The church is worth a walkthrough and is on the way to the Castle Gardens.

Just continue down Herrngasse and through the Castle Gate (photo at top left).  Early in the city’ history there was a castle here, but it was destroyed by an earthquake and the materials used to build the city walls. Although, perhaps misnamed as a garden, this area leads to a spectacular view of the Tauber River Valley and a panoramic view of the city itself.

The Plönlein (little square) in the southern section of the Old Town is, perhaps, the most photographed scene in the city.  It is here that a high road (from outside the town) meets a lower road from the town in an area of highly decorated buildings.  The juxtaposition of  cobbled, narrow streets and  the crush of colorful, half-timbered buildings make this intersection a microcosm of the appeal of Rothenburg.

Another attraction that might interest you is the Medieval Crime Museum on Burgasse.   It features tools for torture and other examples of what it meant to be on the wrong side of medieval law in Rothenburg (and Germany). 

Another popular attraction is the Imperial City Museum on the art and culture of Rothenburg  located at Klosterhoff 5.  The building is a former Dominican convent with sections dating from the 13th century.

Entrance to the Old Town is by one of several gates, but unless you are lodging there, park in one of the lots outside the walls on the eastern and northern border.  Parking within the city is only for visitors with hotels and is limited to loading and unloading luggage.  Driving and parking restrictions are in effect at various times of the day and night.  In other words, unless your hotel provides parking in the Old Town, drive in to leave your bags and park outside of the walls.  If you are a day visitor, park outside the walls an walk in – it is just a short walk.

Next -  select one of these towns on the Romantic Road

Augsburg
Dinkelsbuhl
Neuschwanstein Castle
Ottobeuren
Wurzburg

Or the - Romantic Road Home Page

Or - Return to Best Places to Visit in Germany

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