Rothenburg ob der Tauber

With about 82 million inhabitants, Germany is the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany's capital and largest metropolis is Berlin, while its largest conurbation is the Ruhr, with its main centres of Dortmund and Essen. The country's other major cities are Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Leipzig, Bremen, Dresden, Hannover, and Nuremberg. Elevation ranges from the mountains of the Alps in the south to the shores of the North Sea in the northwest and the Baltic Sea  in the northeast. The forested uplands of central Germany and the lowlands of northern Germany are traversed by such major rivers as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe. Germany's alpine glaciers are experiencing deglaciation. When thinking of Germany, beer, lederhosen and Alpine hats quickly come to mind, but these stereotypes mostly relate to Bavarian culture and do not represent Germany as a whole. Germany is a vast and diverse country with 16 culturally unique states that have been politically united since 1871. Even within states there is often considerable cultural diversity.

Germany

With 12.9 million inhabitants, it is Germany's second-most-populous state. Bavaria's capital and largest city, Munich, is known for the Oktoberfest, the Beer Festival, its art museums, as well as the Nymphenburg castle and its decorations. The picturesque Romantic Road begins in the northwestern city of Wurzburg, passes through rural villages and medieval towns, and ends in the foothills of the Alps, on the southern border of Germany. The Land is known for its lush mountainous landscapes, castles, Baroque towns and churches, as well as its famous beers. Bavaria hosts the headquarters of powerful companies such as BMW, Siemens, Allianz.

Bavaria

With its full name **Rothenburg ob der Tauber **is **the best preserved medieval city** in the whole **Europe**. This pretty town with a rich history is also one of **the most picturesque town **on earth with its cute houses in every color, gorgeous River Tauber and interesting museums. So if you want to check out **the pearl of Ba[varia**](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/munich-the-capital-of-bavaria-wzwb), here is your guide!

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Let's start exploring the city from **its epic old town and St. Jakob's Church (Kirchengemeinde St. Jakob)! Townhall** ,located in the **Marktplatz of Rothenburg ob der Tauber**, is constructed in the 13th century and it is the oldest building of the city. Right next to the **Townhall **you can see the **St. Jakob's Church**. This fine old church was constructed in 1485 and inside of this holy place you can get to see the famous Altar of the Holy Blood, Twelve Apostles Altar and 700-year-old stained glass in the East Choir!

The next stop is for photography lovers!** Plönlein**, **the most picturesque spot**, means little square but trust me it is the cutest spot in the whole **Rothenburg**. From **Siebers Tower till the Kobolzeller Tower**, **Plönlein **is the most adorable place to see and the most cool place to take pictures since the whole place looks like a fairytale!

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Not only **Rothenburg** is famous for **its picturesque spots, **its also famous for its lovely parks and gardens! Another most popular tourist attraction is the **Castle Gardens aka Burggarten**! In here not only you can mesmerize by the wonderful views of the **Old Town **and the castle but also you can get to see geometric flower beds, fine sculptures from 17th and 18th century and gorgeous monuments!

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And lastly the most interesting museum (at least for me), **the Medieval Crime Museum**! In this museum you can get to see and understand how crime and punishment was in Europe for more than 1,000 years ago. From artifacts used to **extract confessions and inflict punishment **to terrible **witch-hunts**, this museum documented every crime activitiy in the **the medieval period in Bavaria**.

### Discover the Historic St. Jakob Church in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a charming medieval town in Germany, is known for its picturesque streets, well-preserved architecture, and rich history. One of the must-visit attractions in this enchanting town is the St. Jakob Church, also known as St. James Church. Let's delve into the captivating history and architectural features of this remarkable place of worship.

### A Pilgrimage Destination

St. Jakob Church holds great significance as a stop on the pilgrimage route to St. James Church in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Built between 1311 and 1484, this Lutheran church was originally Catholic and played a vital role in the spiritual journey of pilgrims. Its location on the Jakobsweg, or the Way of St. James, attracted a high number of visitors and income for the town.

### Architectural Marvels

As you approach St. Jakob Church, you'll be awestruck by its two towering spires. The south tower stands at an impressive height of 55.2 meters, while the north tower reaches 57.7 meters. The church's construction spanned several centuries, resulting in a blend of architectural styles.

The east chancel, completed in 1322, showcases Gothic elements, while the nave, built from 1373 to 1436, exhibits a transition from Gothic to Renaissance influences. The west choir, which bridges the street, was constructed between 1453 and 1471. This unique feature adds to the church's architectural allure.

### Treasures Within

Step inside St. Jakob Church, and you'll be greeted by a treasure trove of art and religious artifacts. The western gallery houses the renowned Holy Blood altarpiece, created by the esteemed woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider between 1500 and 1505. This masterpiece includes a rock crystal reliquary cross dating back to around 1270. The altarpiece depicts scenes from the entry into Jerusalem, the Lord's Supper, and the Mount of Olives.

Another notable highlight is the High Altar, crafted in 1466 by Friedrich Herlin, a pupil of Rogier van der Weyden. This altar, also known as the Twelve Apostles Altar, features intricate carvings and offers a glimpse into the city's history with its depiction of Rothenburg. The church also houses altars by Tilman Riemenschneider and a Mary Coronation altar adorned with sculptures from different centuries.

### Stained Glass Splendor

The stained glass windows of St. Jakob Church are a sight to behold. Dating back to 1350-1400 AD, these windows depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, Christ's life and passion, and Christ's work of redemption and sacraments. The vibrant colors and intricate details of the stained glass add to the church's ethereal ambiance.

### When to Visit

To fully appreciate the beauty and historical significance of St. Jakob Church, plan your visit during daylight hours. The church is open to visitors throughout the year, allowing you to explore its architectural wonders and immerse yourself in its spiritual atmosphere.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a popular tourist destination, so consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn to avoid large crowds. The town's Christmas market, held from late November to December, is also a magical time to experience the festive spirit and witness the church adorned with seasonal decorations.

### Uncover the Magic of St. Jakob Church

St. Jakob Church in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a testament to the town's rich history and architectural prowess. From its role as a pilgrimage destination to its stunning art and stained glass windows, this church offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Plan your visit to Rothenburg ob der Tauber and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of St. Jakob Church.

St. Jakob

The name is actually misleading because 12th century castles did not have gardens. The correct name should really be “the gardens in the place of the castle”. This is the site where the royal family of Hohenstaufen established its imperial castle in 1142. King Conrad III reigned over his kingdom from here, but was the only ruler who actually used Rothenburg Castle. As his sons died relatively early, the castle quickly lost its importance, but not before it had formed the seed for the germination of the town. 

 

Starting from the castle, the settlement spread over the hill, until it had become one of the ten largest towns in the Holy Roman Empire by the year 1400, with a population of over 6,000. An earthquake destroyed the castle complex in 1356 and the stones of the ruins – a valuable commodity at the time – were used to build the city walls. Only the Chapel of St. Blaise was renovated after the quake. However this building was not originally a chapel, but rather the “Upper Ducal House”, probably the conference building where the king received his guests. The building was dedicated as a chapel after the renovation and now serves as a memorial to the fallen of the two World Wars. The Chapel of St. Blaise is also the site of the memorial to the pogrom of 1298, the original of which is in the Imperial Town Museum.

Burggarten

A thousand years of legal history are brought to life in the Rothenburg's Museum of Medieval Crime, with the true horrors on show in the vaults. If you are of a bloodthirsty disposition, but still composed enough to take in the chilling details of jurisdiction, correction methods and the death penalty, then this is the perfect place for you. The impressive exhibits and detailed commentary offer an insight into the intricacies of the law that you won’t forget in a hurry. 

 

Notorious criminal cases are recorded in woodcuts and copper etchings, while there is a whole department dedicated to witchcraft and witch-hunting in Bavaria. What were court cases like in the past? What about torture and punishment? What does legal folklore mean? Are the caricatures on show meant to raise a smile or to provoke nightmares? 

Find out for yourself! 

 

Opening times 

January, February: daily 2.00 to 4.00 p.m. 

March: daily 1.00 to 4.00 p.m. 

April: daily 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. 

May to October: daily 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. 

November: daily 2.00 to 4.00 p.m. 

December: daily 1.00 to 4.00 p.m. 

Last entry: 45 minutes before closing

Medieval Crime Museum

If you want to visit** Rothenburg**, find your inspiration on itinari now!

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Experience the Medieval Times in Rothenburg!

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My name is Alara Benlier, I am Turkish but currently living in Germany! My first traveling experience was in 2013 to Europe. I remember falling in love with the architecture, the culture, the art and of course the food. After that, I wanted to explore more, not as a tourist but as a local, that's why I did the Erasmus Programme and went to the Netherlands, a life-changing experience for me. Traveling became a passion. I love meeting new cultures, learning something new every day, seeing new places, tasting the delicious food and being not just a tourist, but a traveler. I am excited to share all my experiences, make a difference in people’s lives and make them enjoy traveling more. So if you want to explore gorgeous Germany, the cool Netherlands and of course history-rich Turkey, follow me and let’s explore them together!

Experience the Medieval Times in Rothenburg!

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