La city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber belongs to the district of Ansbach, within the Federated State of Bavaria in Germany. This city stands out today for having a really well-preserved medieval center, which makes it a very touristy point in Germany. Until the XNUMXth century it was one of the Free Imperial Cities that were ruled by its emperor.
Let's see what are the points of interest in this beautiful German city. It may not be one of the best known or sought after by tourists but it is undoubtedly a medieval jewel that has a charm that is difficult to match. So we cannot miss a visit through its old streets.
Get to know Rothenburg
Rothenburg ob der Tauber means Red Fort on the Tauber and it is a small town, although some people prefer to think of it as a nice big town. Its history begins as early as the XNUMXth century when the parish of Detwang was created, which today is a neighborhood of the city. The city was raised to the level of Imperial City in the XNUMXth century and since then it began to prosper and grow. Already in the sixteenth century it would suffer with the Thirty Years War and later from the plague. In World War II it stood out for being one of the cities that best fulfilled the Nazi ideal, which is a black point in its history. It was damaged in the conflict, but due to its historical value, artillery was not used to liberate it by the allies, which saved a large part of the city. Hence, it is still in good condition, since after the conflict it was quickly restored.
City walls
You can start the city tour at Gallow-Gate, the old city wall. From here we can see the ancient walls of the XNUMXth century, through which you can take a short walk to the Röder Tower. It is possible to climb this old defensive tower for a small price. We always suggest doing all possible activities when we travel to the places because we do not know if we will be able to return or if we will miss something interesting. Then you can continue along the wall to the south or go to the historic center of the city. If we continue along the route to the south through the walls we will reach a defensive bastion known as the Spital Bastion dating from the XNUMXth century. From here you can have spectacular views of the city.
Plonlein
This is how this corner is known, which is undoubtedly the most photographed in the entire city. It is a confluence of streets that has a unique charm and is even used for covers of trips to Germany because of that touch that its buildings have. From this place you can see the Sieber Tower and the Kobolzeller Tower. It is one of the most photographed places in all of Germany so it is worth stopping to contemplate it. On the other hand, it is a good idea to go at night, when the place takes on a special charm.
Marketplace
Near Plönlein we find the main square of the city, the Marktplatz. This is one of the oldest and most beautiful places in the city, with interesting buildings. The town hall or Rathaus has a beautiful Renaissance-style façade and some Gothic-style parts such as the tower. Another of the most emblematic buildings in the square is the Ratsherrntrinkstube with the clock tower that today became the tourist office, a place where we can stop to find out more.
Torture Museum
Certainly in the city there is one of the most curious museums that we can see although it is only suitable for people who are not squeamish. It is the Museum of Torture or Crime Museum that collect medieval torture instruments and all kinds of tools and even documents to know this art that was carried out during the Middle Ages in many different ways. It is one of the most important in Europe on this peculiar subject. In the city there is also another curious museum, the museum of dolls and toys, which may be of interest to children and adults.
Church of San Jacobo
In the market square we also find the oldest church in the city, that of San Jacobo or Santiago. It was built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries and the two Gothic-style towers on the outside stand out. It may be a good idea to enter it if we like to visit religious buildings, because we will also find the Altar of the Holy Blood, which is an important work that is a real attraction for visitors.