Rothenburg ob der Tauber Things to Do

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I thought this might not be much of a museum to see--WEll, I was wrong. They have the best display of criminal punishment devices probably in all of Europe. The museum extends to three floors, and has a lot of history of crime and punishments in addition to the culture of the people, traditions of how to reform them, and the methods used to deter the doing bad society things again Some appear downright cruel, but most definitely effective.
It is the largest collection in Europe of antique objects, and also many documents to show the detail behind the period of using devices to punish, or penalties of abusers of society ills. A lot of the items and documents date from 13th to the 19th century.
The fee is 4 Euro and it is open 9-5Pm daily during summer months of April-September, and 10-1PM and 2-4PM in winter months.

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This fountain is to one side the the Market Square and is known for its beauty. It was a critical fountain for the townfolk because they go t their drinking water here. The well was 90 meters deep at one point; now only 50 feet deep. It still spews out some water, though for the tourists to see. The fountain sculpture is from 1608

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The clock tower with the Renaissance side facing the square, is dating back to 1446 when it was also a place for the Counselors to sit around and strategise and drink beer. The clock was added in 1683. The clock windows near the top open for a display of Mayor Nush's legendary drinking binge of slugging down 3 liters of wine to save the town back in 1631. This scene was added in 1910.
This building is also named Ratstrinkstube to commemorate the drinking legend referenced.

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This is where all the people congregate and shop for items and try to find something to eat. Tour buses drop them off here in "droves" like hundreds, so be aware of crowds. The square has nice building structures is you look up to the ornate facades.

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There actually are two parts to the RAthaus; the newer version used today as administrative offices, and the old white tower and building on the side street of Pfaffensingsr which was used in the past as meeting for the Council. It was built in stages between 1250-1400 and the tower is used today for climbing for good views. Entry to the tower is through the brown Rathaus building until you get to the second level. The fee to the tower is 2 Euro. There is not much to see inside either building other than a lobby and a very small Medieval museum at the ground level of White Rathaus for 2 Euro-NOT worth it
The Renaissance Rathaus used today is dated back to 1572-78, and the arched terrace gives a good overview of the marketplace and fountain. It has the clock which has the months, hour and minutes. Only the lobby can be seen on the way to the tower entrance.

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This wonderful church has a steeped history and is set into the walls of the gate of Klingen BAstion. It was built between 1475-92 and always used as a sanctuary for the people just inside the town walls. It has fortified parapets above the church and casements underground. it was under some renovation when we were there.
It is generally open 10-1PM and 2:30-5PM April through September, but mostly closed other months.

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This town museum is at the western edge of the town along the wall. It is in an old convent and holds the collections of the town history including local culture of farm pieces, working items to process clothing and food, and a good weapons display. There is one room with an eclectic mix of religious art and artifacts from a variety of churchs, and that also is of the old heritage of the people.
Entry is 4 Euro, and it takes maybe 1 hour to go through it. There really is not a lot that holds the interest of the displays, in my opinion. It is open 9:30-5:30Pm April through October and 1-4Pm the other months.

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This is the anchor church of the town, and also called St. James to us English folk. It was built over the time frame of 1311-1484, and the nave being the most important is from 1373-1436, with the east chancel 1322 time. The two towers are both about 175 feet, and a stand out for the town. This Lutheran church was built as part of a trek to get to Santiago de Compostela, Spain for the annual pilgrimage to there to revere the miracle done at that site.
The altar piece is famous and called twelve Apostles' altar. It was carved by Tilman Riemenschneider, known in his time, I guess. It was carved between 1500-05 and the cross is rock crystal. The organ pipes are a show piece besides. The stained glass windows in the nave were placed in 1350-1400 and depict Virgin Mary and Christ's work of redemption