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...medieval "Christmas"
city. |
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Rothenburg
ob der Tauber is the most picturesque and well-preserved
of the towns along the famous "Romantic Road". It's the
only walled city in Germany without a single modern building. Most
of the buildings were built by 1400.
This town is particularly noted for the Christmas shop and museum
which are open year round.
One of the best ways to see Rothenburg in all its medieval
splendor, is to take the Night Watchman's Tour, available at 8 p.m.
every evening, from April to December. Click
here to find out more.
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Christmas
Shop. Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christkindlmarkt has
dramatic displays of the history of this family celebration, in a
display that covers 2,750 square feet. Visitors are treated to seeing
Christmas tree ornaments from different eras, a unique exhibition
of historic nutcrackers and Father Christmas figures from the 19th
and 20th century.Back to top
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St.
Jacob's, the important church in town, is impressive
not only because of the towers, but also of its interior with two
altars made by the famous wood carver, Tilman Riemenschneider (the
Michelangelo of German wood-carvers). Another gem is the high altar
by Friedrich Herlin, which contains a small crystal believed in medieval
times to hold a spot of Jesus' blood. Outside is a statue of Jesus
praying at Gethsemane, which was a common feature of Gothic churches.
St Jacob's has been Lutheran since 1544.
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The
town wall. It's possible to walk the entire wall and
at only 1.5 miles, it's a pleasant stroll. Back
to top
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old town. The city's tallest spire is the town hall
tower and there is a wonderful view from the top. A fun spot to visit
on the hour, is the clock in Market Square, where the "Meistertrunk"
legend (see below) is reenacted. Back
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A Fun Legend....
The 'Meistertrunk' story goes
that back in 1631, Rothenburg was attacked by Imperial troops
led by Count Tilly. Mayor Nusch offered him a welcome drink
of local wine. The Count was so pleasantly surprised that
he offered th town a way out. If someone could drink a tankard
holding 6 pints in one draught, then the town would be spared.
The Mayor accepted the challenge and saved the town.This
story is regularly re-inacted. |
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 Selected
Cultural Events in Rothenburg: |
| Festival
to celebrate Mayor Nusch's
Meistertrunk victory, on Whitsun weekend
in early June. |
| Imperial
City Festival, including Fireworks in
early September. |
| Christmas
market
for four weeks from late November to December. |
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| Have
you been to Rothenburg? Maybe you live there...we
want to here from you! Use the following form to tell us your recommendations.
Thank you! |
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©
Reformation Tours, LLC 2003
P.O. Box 854, Belleville, IL 62222
Tel: (618) 222-9914 • Fax: (618) 222-9917 • Toll Free: (800) 303-5534
info@reformationtours.com
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