Rothenburg

Thursday afternoon we drove to Rothenburg. It was only an hour and a half from Chris and Lisa's. So an easy day trip. However, when we got there, we realized we could have easily spent an entire day and stayed the night. It was still fun and with our fast walking pace, covering 7 miles, we were able to see quite a bit.

In the middle ages Rothenburg was Germany's 2nd largest city. Rick Steves calls it the "best preserved walled town". We all immediately fell in love with Rothenburg. There was just something about it that was so intriguing.

Everything was so picturesque.

Climbing the stairs to the Town Hall tower was interesting and very steep. Amazing how it's no big deal to let tourists up them. In the states, because of liability, it would definitely NOT be allowed. 

These pictures don't do it justice to show the steepness

View from the tower. Seriously, this city was amazing!

I love how they use every square inch to build. Oops, there is a spot for one more house I think.

Cool doors and windows everywhere.

Silly boys!

This was inside St. Jacob's church. It was another amazing church. It took over 170 yrs to complete it (1311-1484).

This alter was upstairs in the church. It is called "Alter of the Holy Blood". Carved by Tilman Riemenschneider from 1499-1505. There is a crystal capsule at the top which is said to hold a drop of the "Holy Blood".

Walking around this cute town was so fascinating. The fortress built around it was cool to learn about. Hot boiling tar was said to be poured out of the mouth of the mask on any who tried to attack.

Rumor has it this house was built to hide the mayor's mistress.

Walking outside the city wall.....or jumping!

Matthew was running and tripped and fell. Guess Scott was trying to keep him down by stepping on him......o.k, not really. It just looks that way. Lisa and I are oblivious and Chris and Sarah are very concerned.

We walked part of the city wall. Just amazed at how strong they built this structure.

This was the "night watchman tour". It was definitely worth the hour tour. This guy had a very dry, funny sense of humor. Sometimes you'd catch him laughing at his own jokes. 

We loved Rothenburg and would definitely go back!