Experience Medieval Europe in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany
A small Bavarian town, the history of Rothenburg is for the most part an unremarkable one. Its significance today and popularity as a tourist destination comes as a result of the town’s survival and unchanging nature. Declared a free town in 1274 by the Holy Roman Empire it achieved its greatest growth during the 15th century. For the majority of its history it was forgotten and neglected by the world around it.
Die Meistertrunk
The most incredible story of Rothenburg’s survival comes from 1631, during the Thirty Years War. A part of the resistance against the Holy Roman Empire, it fell to imperial control on October 30th of that year. The imperial forces in Rothenburg were led by General Tilly.
According to the story, Tilly planned to raze the town to the ground as punishment for its resistance. However he accepted a drink from what is called a Humpen, a massive 7 pint vessel, filled with the local Rothenburg wine. After taking his drink he made a deal: should any man in the town be able to drink the entire Humpen in one draught, he would not level the town.
Enter the ex-mayor of Rothenburg, a man by the name of Nunsch. He said he could perform the feat, and did. This is, in the annals of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, die Meistertrunk (masterful feat of drinking). Tilly was good on his word, and the town of Rothenburg was saved. Since that time it has been almost completely unchanged. The Meistertrunk is reenacted often in the town, bringing this amazing display of Rothenburg’s history to life.
During the 19th century Rothenburg ob der Tauber was discovered by painters and artists, who saw it as a testament to the days of Germany’s past. It began to become a popular destination for the elite, not only of Germany but of other European countries as well like France and Great Britain. During World War II after an air raid passed over the town the United States decided to stop any further activity against Rothenburg to preserve its historic beauty. It is today and has been for many years one of the most cautiously preserved relics of Germany’s medieval and Renaissance past.
Things to See in Rothenburg
The beauty of Rothenburg is primarily in the atmosphere: the old, gabled houses, the medieval city walls and towers, the narrow streets all give one the feeling of a world long gone. Amidst this medieval setting there are many interesting sights to see.
In the center of town is the marktplatz. In the marktplatz you find the Rathaus (town hall), a grand building that was first built in the gothic style, but is dominated by a later addition from the Renaissance period.
Just a little north from the marktplatz lies St Jakobskirche (St. Jakob’s Church), built between 1373 and 1464. It is the finest church in Rothenburg, and includes the Altar of the Holy Blood, including carvings in linden done by the famous Tilman Riemenschneider.
Behind the church there is a former convent which has been turned into a museum dedicated to the history of Rothenburg: the Reichstadtmuseum. It houses a number of treasures from Rothenburg’s past, including the original Humpen from the Meistertrunk of 1631.
To the south of the marktplatz lies another museum: Mittelalterliches Museum (Middle Ages Museum), which displays an immense collection of items used in torture and punishment during the Middle Ages.
If you travel down the Herrngasse, you will find some of the finest and best preserved old houses on display in Rothenburg. At the city walls you will find the Burgtor (castle gate), which once led to the family castle of the Hohenstaufens during the Middle Ages. It is today a park known as the Burggarten (castle garden), and features incredible views across the valley and the river Tauber, as well as looking back into the town.
Overall, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is an incredible treat and a unique experience. It is a little slice of history plunked down into our modern world.
