In the picturesque charming town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany

 othenburg ob der Tauber is a romantic and enchanting place to discover in Bavaria.

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(in south-central Germany) A true medieval gem, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (meaning ‘above the Tauber River’) is a top tourist stop along the Romantic Road. Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a charming town in Bavaria, that offers a glimpse into the past. Surrounded by a well-preserved wall, the town is full of half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and quaint shops. You can explore the history and culture of Rothenburg at the Reichsstadtmuseum, where you can admire the Rothenburger Passion, a masterpiece of Gothic art. Or you can visit the St. Jakob's Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with a famous wood-carved altar.

+ The Rathaus (Town Hall) is a notable renaissance building. The rear Gothic part of the building dates from 1250, and the attached front Renaissance building was started in 1572. This building served as the seat of government for the city-state during the medieval ages and for the city of Rothenburg since the formation of the federalist government. The Town Hall tower of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the only accessible towers in the town of Rothenburg. l. At the top of the tower is a room with a scenic view of almost the entire town.

+ While buildings within the walled city reflect the city's medieval history, a part of the city is in many ways a normal, modern German town with some concession to the tourist trade. Many stores and hotels catering to tourists are clustered around the Town Hall Square and along several major streets (such as Herrngasse, Schmiedgasse).

+ The city lies above the deep valley of the Tauber River, on the scenic “romantic route” between Würzburg and the Bavarian Alps. First mentioned as Rotinbure in the 9th century, it developed around a Hohenstaufen fortress and was a free imperial city from 1274 until 1803. It attained its zenith under burgomeister (mayor) Heinrich Toppler (1373–1408) and declined after the Thirty Years’ War, during which it was besieged and captured (in1631) by Catholic League forces under Johann Tserclaes, Graf (count) von Tilly. At that time the city was supposedly spared when a citizen accepted a dare from the enemy to drink more than three quarts of wine in one gulp; the tankard is featured in the collection of the Imperial City Museum. The event is commemorated every Whitsuntide by the performance of a play, Der Meistertrunk (“The Master Gulp”).

+ Surrounded by a well-preserved wall, the town is full of half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and quaint shops. You can explore the history and culture of Rothenburg at the Reichsstadtmuseum, where you can admire the Rothenburger Passion, a masterpiece of Gothic art. Or you can visit the St. Jakob's Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with a famous wood-carved altar. (Rothenburg is also a festive destination, especially during Christmas, when the town hosts a magical market and a candlelit parade.)