Rothenburg ob der Tauber has been on my travel bucket list for years. And I finally got there last November. It is an enchanting place. With its half-timbered houses, clock towers, colorful façades, schneeballs and beer steins, Rothenburg ODT oozes with medieval charm.
It's no surprise that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I was partially filmed in Rothenburg ODT.
This is a common dilemma in Rothenburg ODT. Which direction to take? It's hard to choose because every cobblestone street seems to be competing for the best dressed street award. And they are all winners in my book.
After walking half a day, an inviting table for two with colorful flowers to warm a cold November day.
I love how these two half-timbered buildings anchor a street that leads to another intriguing square.
The Plönlein (Little Square) is the most photographed square in Rothenburg ODT. But I found more picturesque neighborhoods than this. That's the beauty of Rothenburg ODT. So many choices to get that enviable shot.
I entered St. Jacob's Church (St. James Church) about 10 minutes before it closed for lunch break. And the cashier was kind enough to let me in for free. So I hurried to see as much as I could. On the main altar is the altarpiece of the Twelve Apostles and the Crucifixion by Friedrich Herlin from 1466. It was a sunny day and the centuries-old stained glass windows behind the altar were brilliantly lit by the late morning light.
The most important treasure of the church is the carved Altar of the Holy Blood by Tilman Riemenschneider. Unfortunately, I didn´t get to see it this time.
St. Jacob's Church is on the Jakobsweg (St. James Way), the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Today, people still go to St. Jacob's as a pilgrimage destination to pay homage to St. James, the Apostle.
The Markplatz is also the site of the annual Christmas market. It’s a beautiful square dominated by the Rathaus (Town Hall). The white building with a clock in the center is the tourist information office.* How dazzling it must be with Christmas decorations and lights!
*Note: Make sure to pick up a map at the tourist office. It makes navigating and identifying historical landmarks much easier.
This staircase leads up to the wall walk for a panoramic view of the old town. Not all stairs or gates are open in the off season. This particular one was closed in November.
The best views of Rothenburg ODT and its red rooftops can be had from the old town walls. Towers and gatehouses dot the ramparts along the way.
When someone says,"I'll drink to that!"
Where to stay in Würzburg:
Wurzburger Hof
Barbarossaplatz, 2
Convenient location. Walking distance to most attractions in the city. Helpful and friendly staff.
*****
Images by TravelswithCharie