The Market Square Marktplatz is the center of urban life in Rothenburg o.d.T. The Square is framed on the west by the Town Hall Rathaus, on the north by the City Councillors' Tavern Ratstrinkstube with its Tourist Information center, on the east by shops and cafes, and on the south by St. George's Fountain.
The 165 ft. 13th century Town Hall Tower Rathausturm at the center of the Altstadt offers the best view of the area; cost â¬1 and 241 steps up. The Tower does not have a foundation of its own; it rests on top of the gable of the Gothic building. The front part of the Town Hall, a Renaissance building, was built in the 16th century. The Town Hall Rathaus is free.
The Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum Kriminalmuseum, just south of Market Square, is full of examples of torture equipment and is not for the faint hearted.
The Plonlein Little Square, a few blocks south of the Market Square, offers a charming medieval sight. Standing at the right point, you can see two towers: on the left, more or less straight ahead, is the Siebers Tower Siebersturm dating from 1385; and down on the right, from the Tauber valley, is the Kobolzell Gate Kobolzeller Tor dating from 1360. These two access roads form a small triangular square, which is Plonlein. The Plonlein is often referred to as one of the most photographed spots in Germany.
The Town Wall encircle the city, giving the Altstadt the shape of a head, with the nose -- the Castle Garden -- pointing left west. The existing Town Wall was built in the 14th century, was partially damaged in World War II, and restored through gifts from donors throughout the world see plaques on the wall. The Wall is about 1.5 miles long, covered, with several towers and entrances at the gates. One of the easiest access to get up to the sentry wall is just south of Siebers Tower Siebersturm. The Wall is free and offers a good vantage point to see the town.
St. Jakobskirche (Church of St. Jacob)
Klostergasse 15, north of the Market Square, contains a masterpiece by the famous Würzburg sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider ca. 1460-1531.