Medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the stops on the romantic road which every tourist should visit. It rises on a hill above the valley of the river Tauber, which conquers its beauty. This authentic town is one of the most interesting and beautiful not only in Bavaria (Bayern), but throughout Germany.

The city can rightly be called a faceted diamond of Bavaria, which has come down to us from the dark and mysterious Middle Ages. The true charm of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is given by the picturesque cobbled streets, cute Renaissance houses scattered in seeming disorder and the ancient city walls that encircle the city around the perimeter. Since the city is quite small, it is best to travel around it on foot.

Early square Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany (Photo © Bhanakam / commons.wikimedia.org / Licensed CC-BY-SA-4.0)

What to see: top 8 attractions in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Things to do in Rothenburg ob der Tauber: top 7 things to do and do

Where and what to eat and drink inRothenburg ob der Tauber

1. Restaurant Buergerkeller(Herrngasse 24), located in the basement. The menu features seasonal Franconian dishes, such as spring asparagus or autumn mushrooms. The average cost of main courses is 10 euros.
2. Medieval wine tavern Zur Hoell(Burgasse 8), comfortably located in the oldest building in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The menu includes regional dishes and fine local wines. The average cost of meals is 12 euros.
3. Chic restaurant Villa Mittermeier(Vorm Wuerzburger Tor 9) offers its guests first-class dishes of the latest Michelin cuisine. The average cost of main courses is 22 euros.

subordinate administrative district Middle Franconia.

Story

Around 970, an East Franconian noble named Reinger founds a church parish in Detwang. He builds the castles of Comburg near the city of Schwäbisch Gaul and Grafenburg, located on a mountain ledge above the Tauber River.

• 1108 - the last representative of the family of the counts of Rothenburg dies. Count Heinrich bequeaths all his property, including the then small settlement of Rothenburg, to the Komburg Monastery. Emperor Henry V refuses to approve the right of succession.
• 1116 - the emperor grants Rothenburg to his nephew Duke Konrad of Swabia. Thus the city passes into the possession of the Hohenstaufen dynasty.
• 1137 Conrad becomes King Conrad III of Germany and moves his court to Rothenburg.
• 1152 - at the time of Conrad's death, his son Frederick, known as the "child of Rothenburg", is only eight years old. Therefore, the royal reins of government are entrusted to his cousin Frederick Barbarossa.
• 1157 - at the age of 13 in Würzburg, Conrad's son Friedrich is knighted. Frederick I Barbarossa grants him the title of Duke of Rothenburg and grants him Swabia and East Franconia. Friedrich the Handsome maintains a magnificent court in Rothenburg and marries the daughter of Heinrich the Lion.
• 1172 - Rotenburg is given the status of a city. The first fortifications were built around it.
• 1250 - laying of the foundation stone of the Gothic town hall.
• 1274 - Rothenburg becomes a free imperial city.
• 1311 - the beginning of the construction of the church of St. Jacob.
• 1339 - Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria grants the city of Rothenburg the right to independently conclude alliances.
• 1352 - Rothenburg achieves independence from the empire and introduces its own criminal justice system.
• 1356 - as a result of an earthquake, both lines of city defenses were almost completely destroyed.

Around 1400, the new heyday of the city under the burgomaster Heinrich Toppler.

• 1501 - The left wing of the Gothic town hall is destroyed by fire.
• 1520 - the Jewish population is expelled from the city, the synagogue and the Jewish cemetery are destroyed.
• 1525 - After several years of Protestant worship, Catholic worship is reintroduced.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber after the bombing, 1945

• 1608 - Fursts (German princes) and cities professing Christianity form the Union.
• 1618 - Union gathers in Rothenburg. Beginning of the Thirty Years' War.
• 1645 - siege, cannon fire, and then the capture of the city by French troops.
• 1648 - at the signing of a peace treaty, the impoverished city is forced to pay 50,000 guilders of indemnity, which it has to borrow.
• 1650 - The last soldiers leave the city. Rotenburg ceases to play a significant role and becomes a provincial town.
• 1802 - Rotenburg loses its independence and enters the administrative subordination of Bavaria.
• 1945 - part of the city is destroyed by bombardment. Later the city will be rebuilt in the old style. Financial assistance made it possible to restore the destroyed fortifications of the city.

Attractions

• Town Hall Tower (German) Rathausturm)

Located on the Market Square of Rotenburg, the height of the tower is up to 60 meters. The town hall combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. From the observation deck you can see the entire city.

town hall tower

• Church of St. Jacob (German) St.-Jakobs-Kirche)

The church was built like a Gothic basilica. The eastern altar was built between 1311 and 1322. The main nave was built from 1373 to 1436. The western choirs, which are made in the form of an arch above the street, were built from 1450 to 1471. The solemn consecration of the cathedral was held by the Bishop of Würzburg in 1484.

The main attractions of the church are the Altar of the Twelve Apostles by the artist Friedrich Gerlin (1466) and the Altar of the Holy Blood of the famous Würzburg woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider (1499-1505). According to legend, the latter contains three drops of the blood of Jesus Christ, which are placed in a crystal capsule mounted in a gilded cross.

Church of St. Jacob

Organ in the Church of St. Jacob, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

• Museum of the Imperial City Reichsstadtmuseum)

The exposition of the museum presents everything that has been created in this city of Germany from century to century: painting, sculpture, furniture, weapons, agricultural and craft tools, toys. The museum is located in a former Dominican convent built in the 13th century.

• Museum of Criminology of the Middle Ages Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum)

The exposition tells about the "legal relations in society" that existed in the XII-XVIII centuries. Wooden "collars" for ladies, metal masks of shame in the form of a pig's snout, with a trunk, a long tongue, etc., a "drunken barrel" in which tavern regulars were walled up, chastity belts, spiked chairs and other instruments of torture and attributes of shame.

Sheet with examples of torture 17-18st.

• Starorotenburg craftsmen's house Alt-Rothenburger Handwerkerhauschen)

It was built in 1270. Today, the 11 rooms of the museum reproduce with the utmost accuracy the atmosphere of the masters' dwellings and tell about the crafts they were engaged in. For 700 years, the house served as an apartment for representatives of various crafts. It was inhabited by coopers, dyers, tinkers, potters, basket-makers, soap makers, tin-makers and masons. For many years, a hermit lived in the house, who did not accept the benefits of civilization - running water and electricity. Thanks to this, the pearl of medieval construction has been preserved almost unchanged. Rooms and small rooms with low ceilings are furnished in the style of past centuries, for example: an apprentice's closet with an unusual sleeping place, a kitchen with an open fire, a room, uneven tiles made on a potter's wheel in the 14th century. A well 14 meters deep, equipped inside the house, could provide its inhabitants with water even today.

• German Christmas Museum Deutsches Weihnachtsmuseum

Five interconnected aristocratic houses form the "Christmas Village" by Cathy Wohlfarth, open all year round and presenting five thousand exhibits on total area 250 m2: Christmas decorations, nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids. A five-meter Christmas tree can also be attributed to the impressive decor.

• Gerlach's forge (German) Gerlachschmiede)

A picturesque half-timbered building that invariably attracts tourists.

Forge Gerlach

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Tours

Popular

Price: 300 € Individual

The romantic road from the Main to the Alps is the most famous and popular route in Germany, its length is 350 km. and consists of 27 cities, but we will visit only two. The journey along the "Romantic Road" begins in Würzburg, the Marienberg Fortress, the pilgrimage chapel, old bridge through Main, Cathedral and finally, the Archbishop's Residence (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), are a grandiose abundance historical values. Wurzburg is also the center of winemaking, 72 boxes of table wine are supplied to the English queen. In the cathedral of Würzburg, it is intelligibly shown what the immaculate conception is. From Würzburg we will drive along scenic road through small, cozy villages to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This city is world famous for its beauty, it has been preserved since the Thirty Years' War and is also called the "sleeping beauty". There is a shop in Rothenburg that sells Christmas decorations all year round. In it, even the rather big Valuev, who was with me on an excursion, felt small. The secret of Rothenburg is not only in the medieval city, but also in the preserved medieval courtyards, which we will definitely see, and even go into some houses. In one of the monasteries of Rothenburg, there is now a museum of medieval torture, and a chastity belt can be bought here in a souvenir shop. I am sure that this will be the strongest impression from Bavaria, which is what I wish you all! The opinion that one city should be viewed on one day is true and exists not only among Russian speaking guides and tourists, but all over the world. This rule also applies to Bavaria, and, in particular, to cities such as Munich. Nuremberg, Regensburg, Bamberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber. However, circumstances often develop in such a way that it is impossible to follow this rule - there is little time, but there is a lot to see. In this case, a professional guide in Bavaria will help you. Using the knowledge and experience of a well-trained and knowledgeable guide in the history and current life of Bavaria, you can correctly distribute your time and energy, decide which excursion - walking or auto-walking - will suit you more, see and learn the maximum about the sights of Bavaria. It is rare that someone comes to Bavaria only once. Many return to continue a pleasant acquaintance with the capital of Bavaria - Munich, the imperial city of Nuremberg, one of the oldest cities in Germany and Bavaria - Regensburg, the episcopal center - Bamberg, a city known for its fortress and Baroque Residence - Würzburg, a fabulous and "gingerbread" city of "eternal Christmas" - Rothenburg ob der Tauber. People come again to: take a walk in the English Garden in Munich, sit on the Odeonsplatz in the Tambosi cafe, go shopping at Maximilianstrasse. Have lunch at Spaten next to the Wittelsbach New Residence on Opera Square. look at Munich from the height of the towers of the "Old Peter" or the Frauenkirche, admire the New Town Hall and the movement of figures on the clock, on the Marienplatz, drink beer with friends in the Hofbräuhaus. Someone comes again to plunge into the noisy and cheerful atmosphere of Oktoberfest, someone to contemplate in silence the collections of paintings in the Pinakotheks and numerous art galleries in Munich. in Nuremberg, passing the city wall, find yourself in the Middle Ages, in the Gothic Old Town. Climb up the steep street from the old pavement to the castle hill, where the entire old Nuremberg is visible from the Kaiserburg observation deck. Re-enter gothic cathedrals St. Lorenz and St. Sebald, try on the main market square, next to the "Beautiful Spring" and Frauenkirche, the famous Nuremberg sausages and, no less famous, Nuremberg honey gingerbread. Look into the "Godfather" of the hospital of the Holy Spirit and take a picture against the backdrop of the "Nuremberg glasses". And maybe visit the best German Museum toys or Museum railways. Those who are interested in the "brown past" will be interested in seeing the former "Territory of Party Congresses". in Regensburg, look at the amazing stained-glass windows in St. Peter's Cathedral and listen to the organ, look at the Danube from the Stone Bridge and the panorama of the city with towering ancestral castle towers, characteristic only for Regensburg. Go to the Abbey of St. Emmeram. Sit in the shadow of the Bishop's courtyard, or in Germany's first coffee shop "Princess". Be seduced by especially juicy Regensbourne sausages grilled in a tiny restaurant (which has been in existence for over 850 years) on the Marcus Aurelius Quai. Visit the palace of the princes of Thurn und Taxis and maybe try some beer in the prince's brewery. in Bamberg, enjoy the view of the Town Hall, standing on an island in the middle of the river and the former fishing quarter "Little Venice", feel the grandeur of the Imperial Cathedral, which recently celebrated its millennium. Puzzle over the riddle of the "Bamberg Horseman" and admire the skill of the monks who painted the vaults of St. Michael's Cathedral. Get to know the taste of "smoked" beer and find out where Hoffmann took the names for his characters. in Würzburg to appreciate the power and impregnability that towers over the city and the Main, " old fortress”, admire the beauty of the Würzburg “Stone Bridge” with figures and the Residence of the Prince-Bishop. Check whether the local wines, which Würzburg is famous for, are really as good as they say. in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, feel like a child again, remember all the fairy tales and buy, as a keepsake, some toy in the main Christmas shop-museum of Bavaria, where a beautiful Christmas tree stands all year round. Try the local "half a meter of sausage", and, if you're lucky, watch and participate in the "Magic Drink" holiday performance - stories about happy rescue Rotenburg during the 30 Years' War, which is celebrated twice a year.

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Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: the most detailed and complete guide around the city, the main attractions of Rothenburg with photos and descriptions, location on the map.

City of Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Germany)

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a city in Germany, located in the historical region of Middle Franconia in Bavaria. It will amaze you with medieval charm: old winding cobbled streets, medieval architecture and amazing historical atmosphere. Rothenburg on the Tauber River is considered to be one of the most authentic and photogenic old towns in Bavaria.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located on the "Romantic Road" - a famous Bavarian a tourist route(like we have " gold ring"), which includes ancient cities and medieval castles, about 60 km from Nuremberg. The main attraction is Old city(Altstadt), which is surrounded by an almost intact city wall from the 14th century. What is unique historical heritage for modern Germany.

Geography and climate

Rothenburg is located west of Nuremberg on the banks of the Tauber River near the border natural park Frankenhehe. The surroundings of the city are picturesque hills and foothills, covered with forests and vineyards, which are in contact with the southwestern spurs of the Alps.

The climate is temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer is 15-20 degrees. In winter, the temperature is around zero. The coldest month is January average temperature which is -1 degree. About 700 mm of precipitation falls per year.

Story

The history of Rothenburg an der Tauber dates back to 970, when a family of East Frankish nobles built the first church in the Tauber valley. At the end of the 11th century a castle was built here, and at the beginning of the 12th century a monastery was built.

In 1142, these lands were acquired by King Conrad III, who decided to build a castle over the spurs of the Tauber River, which would later be called imperial. In 1274 Rothenburg received the privileges of an imperial city. In the 14th-15th centuries, the city flourished the most. At this time, about 6,000 inhabitants live in Rotenburg, which at that time exceeded the population of Munich and Frankfurt am Main.

The imperial city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber remained until the 18th century. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the development of the city was undermined by plague epidemics and the Thirty Years' War. Rothenburg was taken and plundered several times. At the beginning of the 19th century, it lost its status as an imperial city and was incorporated into the kingdom of Bavaria.

During World War II, the city was heavily damaged by air strikes. 45% of the old city was destroyed.

How to get there?

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is distinguished by a good transport accessibility. Nearby are located international airports Nuremberg and Munich. Well debugged railway communication with others major cities region and the rest of Germany. Train Station Rothenburg is a 15-minute walk from historical center. The motorway A7 (exit 108) passes nearby. An important nuance - when buying tickets, be careful, because. there are several cities in Germany with the same name. You need to buy tickets to Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Best time to visit

Like most cities in Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber can be visited almost all year round. But still best time visits can be considered the period from April to September. We highly recommend visiting this town during the Christmas holidays. At this time, the atmosphere here is just fabulous!

Gastronomy

In the old town of Rothenburg you can find many cozy places with Bavarian and European cuisine. The most popular drink is beer. When planning trips to cafes and restaurants, it is important to know that the operating hours of Rotenburg establishments depend on tourist excursions. In many of them, the kitchen does not work after 20.00 (especially in the low season).

Panorama of Rothenburg

Sights of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The main sights of Rothenburg ob der Tauber are located in its old town among the old cobbled streets and medieval houses. It is worth noting that the Altstadt is very compact. The path from one edge to another will take 20-30 minutes at a walking pace.

One of the symbols of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the medieval city ​​wall 14th century, which encircles the old city and gives it the shape of a human head. Despite the fact that 40% of the wall was damaged during the Second World War, it is still impressive and is a unique historical heritage. There are almost no cities left in Germany that have completely preserved the medieval wall. The total length of the wall is about 2.5 km, the height is up to 9 meters. The wall contains towers and several city gates - the entrances to the city.

Towers and gates

The old city wall has retained many of the original defensive elements - towers and gates. In the Middle Ages, 7 city gates led to Rothenburg, and 42 towers protected the wall. We present the most interesting of the surviving.

The castle gate (Burgtor) is one of the main city gates with a high powerful tower that protected the city from the west. Currently, they are the entrance to the castle garden - an interesting green corner in the medieval city. When Rothenburg was an imperial city, the gates were closed at night. To leave the city, one had to get the approval of the city council.

Galgentor is a 16th century gate leading to a square where a gallows was erected until the 19th century. They were taken into the Thirty Years' War.

Klingentor in Rothenburg

Klingentor - gate with a high thirty-meter Gothic tower of the 16th century. Interestingly, one could get into the tower through the building of the neighboring old church of St. Wolfgang.

Gate and tower of St. Marka is one of the most atmospheric and photogenic corners of Rothenburg with beautiful medieval architecture. In addition, it is one of the oldest structures among towers and gates, the date of construction of which dates back to the 12th century.

Roeder Gate

The Röder Gate is the old city gate in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The oldest part is the 14th century tower with half-timbered elements.

Plönlein is a real symbol of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and the most photographed place in the city: an old small square surrounded by medieval half-timbered houses, a small fountain that rests on the old gate of the 14th century with a powerful tower.

Market Square

The Market Square has been the center of city life since the Middle Ages. The town hall is located in the western part of the square, historical buildings and tourist centre, in the east - shops and restaurants, in the south - the fountain of St. George.

The main architectural dominant of the market square is the town hall building with a magnificent Renaissance facade. This is one of the most beautiful buildings of this type north of the Alps. gothic building 13th century was significantly rebuilt by the architect Weidmann in the 16th century.

Located next to the town hall beautiful building pharmacies from the early 19th century with a magnificent half-timbered facade.

In the north of the market square, look out for the old 16th century Ratstrinkstube building with an astronomical clock.

The old hospital is another brainchild of Weidmann, Historical building 16th century Gothic style with a beautiful round tower. A little ahead is the Spitaltor bastion, which was also built by this architect.

Sacred architecture of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Church of St. Jacob - the main religious building of Rothenburg. The church was built in the Gothic style in the 15th century and contains valuable works of art. Located near the Market Square.

Here is one of the oldest basilicas of Rothenburg, consecrated at the beginning of the 14th century - the Franciscan church of St. Mary.

Of the other religious buildings, be sure to pay attention to the Church of St. Wolfgang next door to Klingentor. This is a unique late Gothic church from the 15th century, integrated into the city fortifications. Not far from the old hospital is the 14th century Gothic church - Heiliggeistkirche.

Museums

Most interesting museums Rothenburg ob der Tauber

• Museum of Medieval Crime. Open from 10.00 to 18.00 (November-March from 13.00 to 16.00). Address - Burggasse 3, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber
• German Christmas Museum. Works from 10.00 to 17.00. The address is Herrengasse 1.
• Museum of the Imperial City of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Open from 9.30 to 17.30 (November-March from 13.00 to 16.00). Address - Klosterhof, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber

It is very difficult to write non-trivially about the Bavarian villages-towns. In terms of difficulty, it's about the same as shaving eggs. Okay, I don’t argue, there is much less adrenaline, but on the other hand, scratched eggs can at least be hidden from everyone in jeans, and an unsuccessful text will be seen, to the disgrace of the author, by all four of his readers and his grandmother.

Someone will simply succumb to difficulties and run away to carbon monoxide Hindustan. There, you don’t even need imagination for a tasty text - just fix the trash. Someone will stay, but they will definitely find in the basement of the conditional Kakenwurst an der Pisse Ibraska, who escaped from Sudan, of course, the most important person in the history of the city, and dumps a report on the horrors of the great migration of peoples in the post-industrial era from shit and sticks that freezes the blood in the veins corporate empires and the associated rot of the product called "the German people".

But I'm not like that. Therefore, dear four readers and grandmother, d "Artagnan in Morse's white coat has prepared for you a classic report in which, I promise, there will not be a single fugitive Syrian, but there will be many Chinese. And what else, because we are talking about a town in the north Bavaria, about which the three of you, not to mention your grandmother, probably have not heard anything, but he is hoo! It will be about Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

First there was Google. No not like this. First there was a day off. No, not like that, at first it was great weather for the weekend. Then google and search for a "beautiful Bavarian town" an hour or two from Munich. And immediately very bright pictures of the hegmony of half-timbered huts and strange name the city of Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber. Wow, Morseanovna, pour gasoline, let's go!

First of all, you need to figure out the name. If the river appears in the name of the city as a separate word, then our city, it turns out, always goes “on” according to its name. Yes, not fuck, but on the river. Rostov-ON-Don. Frankfurt am Main. Stratford-upon-Avon. Rotenburg, judging by the preposition "ob", either around the river, or over the river, or just ran nearby. Is this not a reason to come and find out? Occasion!

And of course, vivid pictures of the mothballed medieval city. Shoot the new d'Artagnan right now on the backstage! Rothenburg is essentially the ONLY city in Germany, which is a complete ensemble of a preserved medieval city. Despite the firestorm of constant wars on the territory of this country.

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Of course, the benefits of civilization have also penetrated here: no one openly pisses on the pavement, witches are not burned, there is Uber. But if you do not look closely, then you will not find anything later than the 16th century in the skyline of the city. There is not even an ugly Karsdtadta - a phenomenon unique to Germany! Who does not know, Karstadt is a network German department store and, like Sberbank of Russia, is famous for the fact that, firstly, it is everywhere, and secondly, it chooses the ugliest buildings in the city center for its branches.

In this regard, we can say that modern Rothenburg enjoys his Present thanks to the bad luck of his ancestors. If everything was good with Rotenburg in the past, he would develop, grow, demolish the old and build the new. By the 21st century, Rothenburg, as a significant city, would have been wiped off the face of the earth twice in world wars, then restored, building up some kind of bosho-opposing Bauhaus. And now another sad Mannheim is ready for you.

But his own special fate gave Rotenburg a mistake in choosing a religion. By the beginning of the Thirty Years' War in 1618, Rothenburg came up in excellent shape, representing a prosperous city at that time. Strong walls, powerful towers, a necklace of gothic masterpieces behind the walls. Independence from all empires (Rothenburg was one of the 51 free Imperial cities of the Holy Roman Empire), therefore, all taxes flow into the treasury of the city, and even successfully, once again, Jewish pests were expelled. Christian babies are safe.

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And in this flourishing age, as luck would have it, graters begin between Protestants and Catholics. It is now that, against the backdrop of the last world wars, we are smiling at the mouse fuss of our medieval ancestors. But in fact, it was a fucking mess that threw Europe back centuries. Needless to say, only a third of the population of South Germany survived the Thirty Years' War!

And now in the center of the batch was our Rotenburg. Local princes adopted Protestantism, secretly hoping for intercession from the Swedish king Putin the First Gustav the Second. But Catholic Bavaria, rising from its knees under Maximilian the First, is a neighbor! And rushed. For some dick, the Protestant Swedes who descended to the south were received in Rothenburg as brothers and prepared to defend the city together from the army of the Bavarian duchy. The Bavarians lost many soldiers during the siege, but managed to convince the Swedes to voluntarily surrender their weapons. The Scandinavians left Rothenburg unscathed, and the left local population inevitably faced the terrible fate of the vanquished, scrolled through a medieval meat grinder. But here the burgomaster of the city Georg Nush showed remarkable ingenuity and unlimited possibilities of the organism. The Bavarian military leader agreed to spare the life of the rebels on the condition that the burgomaster himself and in one gulp in front of everyone would blow out a three-liter wine. And he could! On this occasion, in Rothenburg they still drink festively once a year at an official holiday. So, dear reader, do not rush to scold your parasite officials. Who knows, maybe this skill of your mayor will one day save your life.

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But of course, Rothenburg was not limited to one feat of the burgomaster. Contributions were imposed on the city, plus the Kaiser army had to be fed and watered. As a result of this tuches, Rotenburg stopped developing and lost its significance as a regional center. In the sleepy Middle Ages, he somehow hobbled to the time of Hitler and suddenly became almost the only fully preserved city monument of antiquity, without having tasted the bucket of progress. Under Hitler, Rothenburg was declared a center of tourism and mass pilgrimage. And all thanks to the completely preserved city wall, which the expanding city did not have to destroy, like a fat woman bursting her corset on her belly.

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However, the title of an ancient monument did not prevent the evil Americans from destroying half of the city on March 31, 1945. U.S. The Air Force flew to bomb an oil reservoir somewhere in Franconia, but lost their way. In order not to return empty-handed, they decided to bombard the quietest Rothenburg. It was unfortunate for the city to be in their way. But luckily after a month. The remains of the city were supposed to be razed to the ground by the artillery of General Devors, but the then high commissioner of the future US zone in Germany, John McCloy, canceled the order of shelling. It was lucky that McCloy's mother visited Rothenburg before the war and told her son about amazing city. We have some kind of Indian series. By the way, ironically, it was Rothenburg that served as the backdrop for the Disney pre-war cartoon "Pinocchio".

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After the war, the city was rebuilt by the whole world. In gratitude, all the city walls of Rotenburg are covered with memorial plaques from benefactors. If, reader, you have a desire to perpetuate your name on a thousand-year-old wall, the city will gladly satisfy it in exchange for 1200 euros.

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You will be surprised, but Rothenburg is one of the three most visited cities in Germany today! Yielding only to the monsters of Munich and.

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The main share in attracting more than two million tourists a year, in addition to architecture, undoubtedly belongs to the famous local Christmas decoration shops. You will always find them in the crowd of Chinese that constantly graze here.

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Rothenburg offers its main entertainment to the tourist infantry - hiking route along the city walls. 6.5 kilometers of the way in the footsteps of the ancient guards clad in armor, bypassing the fortress towers, bastions, armory rooms.

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Looking through the narrow crevices of loopholes and into the muzzles of guns at such a cozy little world below.

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The city looks sleepy even a thousand years later. Sometimes along the way I had a crazy thought: why not go to the bank here for a monthly pension? But Morseanovna is like Genghis Khan. Only he destroyed cities with iron, and Morseanovna - with her own will. Do not dare to think, - he says, - we will treat senile sciatica exclusively with the southern seas.

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And I can only admire the modern interpretation of Hobbiton.

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Fragment main street Plönlein fixed on the first Google images, if you enter the name of the city. Moreover, the pictures after the fact are brightly decorated, stimulating the desire of the beholder to buy a ticket as soon as possible. In life it looks more modest.

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However, you will be rather grateful to such perfidy of photo artists. Plönlein attracts tourists greedy for bright pictures of guidebooks, leaving other streets at the mercy of contemplators who love more freedom and peace.

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In places, Rothenburg looks completely abandoned. Such a charm of a frozen being involuntarily reminded us of Croatian.

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Only in that city live cats ruled the streets, and here iron dachshunds.

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However, there are larger animals in Rotenburg.

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The defensive walls of the city are studded with towers, so each city street necessarily ends with a final view of one of them.

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Probably not a single German city has managed in its history without shameful scenes of oppression of Jews. The first mention of Jews in documents was recorded almost a hundred years after Rotenburg received the status of a city. And the first pogrom happened half a century later.

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Further, according to the standard scenario: short periods of the heyday of the Jewish community, which were interrupted each time by expulsion. By the way, the word "pogrom" is one of the few (and maybe the only) words of the Russian language, which later passed into the German language. And the worse the life of the German people, the more often this word came to light.

In Rotenburg there is a "Jewish lane" Judengasse. It is considered one of the few surviving streets of compact Jewish habitation in Europe. On the street itself, I did not see anything historical with a hint of Judaism, but thanks at least for the mention on the city map. In a country where anti-Semitism has begun to actively manifest itself not only in the Muslim environment, but also among the left-liberal strata of society, this is important.

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Near white tower(Weißturm) there is a small garden with a mention of Rabbi Rabbi Meir. Commemorative plaques, brought here from the former Jewish cemetery, are built into the fence.

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Rabbi Meir lived in Rothenburg a thousand years ago and the flourishing of Judaism in the city is associated with him, when people from all over Europe came to study at the Yeshiva school he founded.

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Another well-known citizen - the legendary burgomaster Heinrich Toppler - reminds his descendants of himself with a curious building, which is called Toppler's Palace. The "palace" looks like something out of a dream of an unfortunate Tetris player.

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Into each such instagramm-touching door, into each such masipusic house, into each such "I dream of living here" stairs, I always mentally drag a piano in the place of the residents.

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Although, of course, I am delighted that in Europe, even after a thousand years, houses continue to serve new generations. Here, for example, is still a functioning student hostel.

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How old is he? Seven or eight hundred years? And the first studious here gnawed at the granite of science even before Grozny took Kazan? Perhaps it was here that in 1986 the modest student Jorge Mario Bergolio lived, who studied theology in Rothenburg, so that years later he would lead the Vatican and all Catholicism in the title of Pope Francis. I wonder if the Protestant founding fathers of Rothenburg could imagine such a future guest?

The most famous catering point of the city is the cafe einzigARTig (special, outstanding). "ART" is highlighted here for a reason. The interiors of the cafe are reminiscent of a Parisian flea market.

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In early May, a rare animal comes to Germany - naked female legs.

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And we never saw that same river Tauber. So its location in the city name remained unknown.

Let's summarize. Rothenburg, of course, is worth the two hours of autobahn spent on it from Munich and several hours of diving into the past. Is it the best-beautiful city in Germany? Without mountains around, without a lake or river from the embankment, it is impossible to get this title in Bavaria. Sorry, Rothenburg, but you have too many competitors with natural trump cards.

high above picturesque valley Tauber stands beautiful medieval city. It is called Rothenburg ob der Tauber. It embodies an impressive and vivid story, which stone buildings will tell travelers about.

It is known that the city begins its life around 970. To see all the sights, it is best to set aside a few days, in this beautiful city there are a lot of them. In the center, from the building of the town hall and the church of St. Jacob, an amazing view of the city opens up.

There are two ways to explore the city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the first is to walk along its streets, the second is to walk the path in the city wall. It is known that the beginning of its construction dates back to the end of the 12th century. From the original wall, a gate and a tower have been preserved.

The construction of the city wall continued for more than one century, and now you can see exactly this wall, completed in 1350. The events of World War II adversely affected the appearance of the wall, almost the entire city was destroyed, thanks to large financial assistance from abroad, an extensive reconstruction of the city was carried out.

The city authorities came up with an unusual way to donate funds for the restoration and maintenance of this historical monument. Tourists are offered to rent a section of the wall for 1200 euros, for which a sign with the name of the buyer will be installed in it, and the buyer is given a photo and a map with the location of the Donation stone.

Markplatz Square - Market Square

It is no coincidence that the market square of Rotenburg is called the living heart of the city. After all, this place has become popular for meetings with locals and guests from all over the world.

Every week a market is held here, where they run locals to buy something and just chat. Here you can also hear the performances of musicians, enjoy the view of the magnificent buildings that frame the square. Tourists love theatrical performances, often held in this interesting place.

The majestic building of the town hall rises on the Market Square, the building in which the city council met. It was built in a mixed style, in its architecture there are elements of Gothic, a Renaissance facade, and a Baroque arcade. This attraction is very popular among tourists.

Having made a difficult climb up the spiral staircase in its tower, you find yourself on an open observation deck. From its height, the whole city is visible. You can see the roofs of the houses, made in the same style and color scheme. And on the days of significant events of the city, musicians perform grandiose musical works on top of the town hall tower.

Location: Rosengasse - 31.

Staudthof - family home

In ancient times, the Staudt family lived in the city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Their dynasty lived in this city for several centuries, they held the positions of consuls - Johann, senators - Leonhardt, lawyers. All members of the Staudt family worked as officials or were representatives of the administration, but one of the descendants of the family - Karl Georg Christian - was a famous mathematician, and the other - Wilhelm Gustaf - a military leader. Since 1697, the Staudt family began to own a huge house, whose history goes far into the past, it has existed since the 12th century.

If you enter the house through the north gate, and go straight to the end, you can find yourself in a courtyard with buildings for animals, and wine cellar, turning back, the gaze of the traveler will see a beautiful facade of the house, in the Renaissance style.

There is a garden in the courtyard, yew trees are planted, an amazing figure of a lion is carved out of stone. A beautiful spiral staircase was built inside the house. The eastern entrance leads to the kitchen, there are also utility rooms, rooms for employees. The family manor gives an idea of ​​the medieval houses that are owned, the daily life of the inhabitants.

Location: Herrngasse - 18.

Alt-Rothenburger House of Crafts

Visitors to Rothenburg have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of crafts. The city's medieval gem, the Alt-Rothenburger House of Crafts, shows how craftsmen lived and worked. From the ground floor to the attic, there is an impressive experience in every room.

Small building and huge historical monument for seven centuries served as a home and place of work for various craftsmen, hence its name - the House of Crafts. They say that those who have not yet seen the House of Crafts know the city of Rothenburg only in part.

Location: Alter Stadtgraben - 26.

Bell tower and hanging gate

At every step in the historical part of the city of Rothenburg there is a piece of the past. Here you can see a huge number of towers, gates, which once served for protection.

Many of them are well preserved. It is interesting to look at Galgentor - hanging gates. Until the beginning of the 19th century, immediately behind them was the place of execution - the gallows. The bell tower, or Klingentor, is striking in its beauty; it was used for protection, connected by passages with the church of St. Wolfgang, and from the 16th century it became a water pipe.

Location: Klingengasse - 15.

The Museum of the Imperial City displays the collection of the city, collected over the course of eight centuries. It presents painting, sculpture, craft and much more.

An interesting collection of military weapons, hunting weapons, ceramic dishes. Music lovers will love the hall dedicated to the history of music. There is also the “History of Science” hall, where two old globes attract attention, one of which was made in 1717. And since the museum building is located in an ancient monastery, the former rooms remained here, for example, the monastery kitchen. It shows the history of the living quarters and gives an insight into the life of the monks.

A separate large collection consists of objects of Jewish culture. The art gallery is rich in paintings and graphics depicting the city of Rothenburg and its interesting places.

Location: Klosterhof - 5.

All those who are interested in what the trials looked like, what tortures and prisons were like before, you should definitely visit the forensic museum. The history of the museum began with the private collection of Karl Albrecht, presented in the late 19th - early 20th century.

Famous artists of the city, whole families continued to collect the collection, expanded the exhibition space, which led to the creation of a large museum. The Forensic Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is considered one of the most popular museums for law and forensic science in Germany, and even throughout Europe.

It includes approx. 50000 exhibits, with thousand years of history rights. The excursion in the museum is designed to examine the collections of the criminal case from the investigation to the verdict.

Many exhibits cover special sections of law. In the basement there is a story about the beginning of the trial procedure and the types of torture. On the first floor, the attitude of the church and law, the inquisitorial process, attitudes towards marriage, honor and the role of women.

On the second floor there is a collection of items on the topic of state and constitutional law, police schools, especially high-profile criminal cases. Another section of the museum is dedicated to executioners, their attire, objects of murder and torture, robbers and witches, and superstitions.

The building has a café and a museum shop. And from May 2016 until the end of 2018, the museum will host a special exhibition dedicated to the history of witches and witchcraft from the beginning to the end of the Great Witch Hunt. Special attention here is given to the work of Martin Luther, the exhibition is called "With a sword or with firm faith" Martin Luther and witches.

Location: Burggasse - 3.

For a pleasant experience, such as during the celebration of Christmas, you can visit the German Christmas Museum, which has a year-round permanent exhibition. The museum is engaged in such work as collecting, preserving, studying and holding exhibitions. It highlights holiday traditions.

Visitors from all over the world can see the old German Christmas decorations, Christmas decorations, candles with holders, the first electric garlands, Christmas wreaths, calendars. The museum holds the oldest written evidence of Christmas tree decoration dating back to 1521.

A wonderful collection of Christmas decorations made of glass, paper, cotton wool, tin, and metal has been assembled. An interesting collection of objects and paintings about the most popular heroes bringing gifts to children and adults, St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, Santa Claus and his helpers.

Location: Herrngasse - 1.

The pride of Rotenburg is the Church of St. Jacob. They rush to the sky tall towers with narrow windows. Since the construction of the church, since 1485, the inhabitants of the city have collected an impressive variety of art objects in it.

The main value of the parish church is the altar, created in 1499-1505. Interesting stained glass sparkling in the morning light. Be sure to see the main altar and the oldest image of the city.

Location: .

In 1280 construction work began in front of the city wall. A year later, it received sick people, as well as travelers. During its long years of existence, the church was often restored, the last reconstruction was carried out in 1982.

For believers, this place will be a good addition to interesting excursions in the town. They can enjoy silence and prayer. They will also enjoy a walk in the courtyard.

Location: Roßmühlgasse - 5.

The fountain of St. George is the largest in Rothenburg. It can be seen while walking around the city and going to the Market Square. It has adorned the city since 1608. And, although there are many other fountains in the city, this one is more popular among tourists. Its depth is 8 meters, and it holds about 100,000 liters. It bears the name of St. George, decorated with a statue of George the Victorious.

On July 14, 2012, the new Asian-style garden opened its doors in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Through the main entrance - Indian doors, 250 years old, with carvings and a figurine of a deity, visitors enter another world. Almost a third of the garden consists of water, here you can find pools and waterfalls.

Walking through the Asian garden, visitors relax and unwind. Here they see evergreen ornamental trees, shrubs and grasses. Such as Japanese juniper, bamboo, hydrangea, thuja, red maple, irises.

There is a beautiful bridge in the garden, which attracts the attention of every guest of the garden. This is the Bridge of Enlightenment, it has a curved shape, symbolizing the victory over evil, which can only travel in a straight line and cannot walk on water. The unique landscape of the garden will leave unforgettable experience at tourists.

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The historical Meistertrunk Festival gives you the opportunity to plunge into the era when the Thirty Years' War raged in Rothenburg. Animators in historical costumes recreate wartime situations. Impressive exhibits of the history of the 16th-17th centuries are clearly presented here, reflecting the grief of war and the joy of victory.

During the festival, a colorful picture appears before your eyes. The artists recreate the dance procession through the market square, show the city watch, the imperial cavalry, the army of the “young band” is ideally recreated - as in 1631, consisting of warriors of young men aged 18 to 30 years.

The northern part of Rothenburg ob der Taubere is located in the beautiful Tauber Valley. The path leading to the valley is magical. This picturesque place is surrounded by vineyards and hills.

The resort region "Charming Tauber Valley" offers to enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape, castles and palaces. Visitors of all ages are welcome here, this is the most the best place for family vacation. All the services provided here cannot be listed, there are too many of them.

The most interesting ones are fishing, archery, fencing, sightseeing of birds of prey, organized hikes, boat rental, parachuting.