Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming town in the Franconia region of Bavaria, Germany. It is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, which is surrounded by a wall with 46 towers. Rothenburg is also a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the Romantic Road, a scenic route that connects many historic towns and castles in southern Germany.
Rothenburg has a rich history that dates back to the 10th century, when it was founded by the counts of Comburg-Rothenburg. It became an Imperial Free City in the 13th century, meaning that it was directly under the authority of the Holy Roman Emperor and enjoyed a high degree of autonomy and prosperity. Rothenburg was a center of trade, culture, and art, and had a population of about 6,000 people at its peak in the 15th century.
However, Rothenburg also faced many challenges and conflicts throughout its history. It was besieged and sacked by the Swedes during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century, and lost its imperial status and most of its wealth and population. It was also severely damaged by an earthquake in 1730 and by a fire in 1871.
During World War II, Rothenburg was bombed by the Allies and almost destroyed, but it was saved by the intervention of an American general who persuaded the German commander to surrender the town peacefully. After the war, Rothenburg was restored with the help of donations from around the world, and became a symbol of German cultural heritage and reconciliation.
Today, Rothenburg is one of the most visited towns in Germany, attracting millions of visitors every year.
It offers many attractions and activities for tourists, such as:
Walking along the town wall and climbing the towers to enjoy the panoramic views of the town and the Tauber Valley.
Visiting the Rathaus (town hall), which is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and has a 61-meter-high watchtower that can be accessed by a winding staircase.
Exploring the Marktplatz (market square), which is the heart of the town and the site of many historical and cultural events, such as the Meistertrunk festival, the Christmas market, and the Imperial City Festival.
Admiring the St. Jakob’s Church, which is a Gothic church that houses the famous Altar of the Holy Blood, a 15th-century wood-carved masterpiece by Tilman Riemenschneider.
Learning about the history and culture of Rothenburg at the various museums, such as the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum, the Imperial City Museum, the Christmas Museum, and the Doll and Toy Museum.
Taking a walk into the Tauber Valley, where you can see the Topplerschlösschen, a 15th-century castle-ette that was the summer home of the town’s mayor, and the Kobolzell Gate, a picturesque bridge over the Tauber River.
Joining the Night Watchman’s Tour, a guided walk through the dark and narrow streets of the old town, where you can hear stories and legends about Rothenburg’s past and present.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a town that combines history, culture, and beauty in a unique way. It is a place that can enchant and inspire anyone who visits it.