Welcome to Rothenburg ob der Tauber – a beautiful and historic town in the Bavarian region in Germany. Rothenburg Town Hall has long been the pride of the town, having been built in the middle of the 14th century. Interestingly, the building has been used for many different purposes over the years including as a courthouse, a grain market, an administrative center, and even as a prison. This comprehensive guide will provide you with interesting facts about this stunning Town Hall as well as all the essential information you need for a visit. Read on to discover the key features of Rothenburg Town Hall, its route to its current form, and more!
Table of Contents
1. The Town Hall of Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in Germany.
2. Its large, ornate facade has stood since the 15th century and is incredibly well-preserved.
3. Inside the Town Hall is a famous collection of 30 Renaissance tapestries depicting scenes from the biblical book of Esther.
4. The building is where the medieval Supreme Court known as the Schupfengerichts sat, and where local crime trials were held.
5. There are two unique links leading to the Town Hall – the Wolf Tower and the Tauber Gate.
6. The Town Hall also houses the notable Rothenburg Historical Museum as well as a museum dedicated to the Mouse Tower legend.
7. On top of the Town Hall stands one of the two remaining giant wooden Gervanian clock-making figures from the 16th century.
8. The Town Hall was rebuilt after it was razed to the ground during the Thirty Years War and has had some modern additions to its interior.
9. The Rothenburg Town Hall is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the city’s major landmarks and tourist attractions.
The Town Hall of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, sometimes referred to as “Rathaus”, is a historic landmark in the city’s Old Town. It was first built in the 1380s and has been the seat of the city’s government since then.
The city’s first Rathaus was likely a merchant’s guild hall, and its first recorded mention in records dates back to 1388, when it was mentioned as the Town Hall, or “Stadthaus”. Soon after, the Rathaus came under the control of the city council and was used as their official headquarters.
The Town Hall has served as a witness to important events in the city’s history, including the 1631 Peace of Westphalia, which effectively ended the Thirty Years’ War. By the late 1600s, the original guild hall had become too small, and in response, an extensive reconstruction process was undertaken that lasted from 1697 to 1699. The new Rathaus kept much of its original medieval Gothic character while also including Baroque elements and details, making it one of the most unique buildings in the city.
Inside, visitors will find a series of elaborately decorated rooms, such as the Historic Council Chamber, the arsenal, and the Bürgermeisterzimmer. These spaces are often used for special events, such as the popular Christmas Markets, parties, banquets, and other gatherings.
In 1971, the town hall was registered in the List of Historic Buildings of Germany, and almost a century later, it still stands as one of the city’s most beloved and iconic landmarks.
Position:
Nordstrasse 21, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Opening Hours:
Mondays to Sundays – 9am to 6pm
Admission Tickets:
5 Euros per person; Free admission for children under 7 years old
Highlights:
1. View the 12th century Gothic architecture of the Town Hall.
2. View the famed Renaissance-style facade painted by Hans Heckel, the Founder of the German School of Painting in 1784.
3. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tauber Valley from the Town Hall terrace.
4. Marvel at the impressive Interior Hall, formerly the great hall of the Trade Station and the meeting place of the Merchants’ Guild.
5. Visit the Chamber of Burgomasters, where the merchant administrators or ‘Burgomasters’ formerly met and prepared their rulings.
Getting There:
The Rothenburg Town Hall can be easily reached by public transport. To get there, you can take the bus or regional train from Wurzburg, Nuremberg, and Frankfurt. The nearest train station is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. From there you can take a short bus or taxi ride to reach the Town Hall.
Q: When was the Rothenburg Town Hall built?
A: The Rothenburg Town Hall was built in 1380.
Q: What interesting features does the Rothenburg Town Hall have?
A: The Rothenburg Town Hall features a stepped roof, a clock that was first installed in 1520 and a striking stone facade adorned with red sandstone details and a bay window.
Q: What other attractions can be found near the Rothenburg Town Hall?
A: The Rothenburg Town Hall is close to other attractions such as the Plönlein, the Town Wall, the Market Square, the Temple Church, and the Imperial City of Rothenburg.
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