Let's go
we recommend taking the tour on foot
Welcome to the historic city walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber! Let's take a journey through the history of this medieval town and discover the impressive fortifications that protected Rothenburg from enemies over the centuries. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the imposing towers and viewpoints along the city wall.
this tour was created by Felix
Introduction
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English voice translated with AI
The Rödertor
Every night, one of the city guards in the Röderturm tower would signal into the downtown to let everyone know whether everything was in order or if danger was imminent. After the expansion of the city wall to include 70 watchtowers, of which 46 still exist today, the Röderturm was considered the most impressive. The beautiful double huts with pointed roofs at the end have been used as a toll house and toll station since the 13th century.
Insider tip: When you view the entire complex from the outside, you can experience how impressive it was in protecting the city. Climb up the tower and get a panoramic view over the city of Rothenburg.
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Markus Tower & Röder Arch
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Weißer Turm
The tower is a typical example of medieval defensive architecture with a sturdy and functional design. It's located near the marketplace, which gave it a strategically important position within the city walls.
Insider tip: Various stories and legends surround the tower, enriching the historical ambiance of Rothenburg for travelers and guides alike.
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The "Galgentor" – Gallows Gate
Besides the Gallows Gate, only the inner gate tower and the outerwork have survived, which used to secure the drawbridge and the defensive outer courtyard. After severe destructions in World War II, the wall was rebuilt and is now accessible for walking. The Gallows Gate is a vivid testament to the historical significance of Rothenburg as a medieval trading town and fortified settlement.
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The "Klingentor" – Blade Gate
The Blade Gate shares a wall with St. Wolfgang's Church, uniquely connecting defensive and sacred structures. Defenders of the city could access the gate tower from inside the church, and bunkers were built beneath the church to fire upon attackers who had already reached the moat.
Insider tip: The gate is adorned with a variety of architectural elements, including carvings and reliefs depicting mythical creatures and symbols.
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The "Burgtor" – Castle Gate
The sturdy gate was designed to protect the city from attacks coming from the west. Anyone wishing to leave Rothenburg at night needed the council's permission and used the narrow "needle's eye" as a passageway. Opening the heavy gate was too dangerous for defense. In times of danger, hot pitch could be poured through the mouth opening onto attackers.
Insider tip: As you stroll through the Castle Garden, witnesses of the past continually come into view, such as the Blasius Chapel, which was the only building of the old castle complex to be renovated, the Staufen column to remember the history of the Staufen dynasty, and many more. Combined with the fantastic views of the city and into the Tauber Valley, they make the walk a relaxing pleasure.
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The Kobolzeller Gate
The Kobolzeller Gate, built around 1360, is one of Rothenburg's most interesting defensive structures. It controls access to the road that leads down into the Tauber Valley. The formidable Kobolzeller Gate allowed entry to the city from the southwest. The fortification consists of a gate tower, a rectangular courtyard with a defensive walkway, and a large outer gate with a customs house.
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The "Spitaltor" – Hospital Gate
At the very south of the Old Town, the Spitaltorbastei is found as the most recent part of the city's fortifications. Pax intrantibus – salus exeuntibus, which means 'Peace to those who enter and safety to those who depart,' is the inscription on the archway. Tokyo's major Haneda Airport has adopted this motto for its mission statement.
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NEXT 9/9
Final Stop: Rödertor
We are back at the starting point of the tour. The market square is located about 450 meters towards the city center. It's also a popular meeting spot for visitors who want to soak in the city's atmosphere. Feel free to take a seat there, enjoy a coffee, and chat about the tour :) Thank you!
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