Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber (means Rothenburg on the river Tauber), is an old Middle Ages town that has maintained almost all of it's old buildings and history. "It's origins go back to the 12th century. Rothenburg was granted the status of a free town within the Holy Roman Empire in 1274 but its major growth took place in the 15th century. During the Thirty Years' War (1618-48) the town, which fought on the Protestant side, was captured by the Emperor's army. Little has changed since that time and city walls still surround Gothic cathedrals and an array of gabled houses."
Old Craftsmen's House, build in 1270 - contains eleven origianlly finished rooms.

A well inside the house - it was incredible to see the inside of a home from so many years ago!

The toilet - it was actually inside the home and had a door for privacy.

The master bedroom - the four poster bed was from 1700's and all the linen was handwoven.

A fountain near the marketplace - there were many fountains in Rothenburg to make access to water easier, as the city is up on a hill.

A well that dates back to the 1200's!

The main town square - with the tavern (only for important Councillors)

The tavern - Every hour on the hour there is a small reinactment of the legendary "Meistertrunk". The legend goes back to 1631 when Catholic troops attacked and occupied Protestant Rothenburg. The Catholic General Tilly threatened to destroy the city. On a whim, he promised to spare the town from destruction if a Councilor managed to empty an enourmous tankard containing 3 1/4 liters of wine in one draught. The former mayor Nusch mastered this task and saved the city! They celebrate this rescue in a festival every year and with a small reinactment every hour.

The town hall