Located about 70 miles east of Heidelberg , this Bavarian town's full name is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, meaning " Red Castle on the Tauber River ."  Its roots started in 970 when the first castle was built. The last castle was destroyed in the 14th century, and now the town has a garden in its place. After its heydays ended around 1400, Rothenburg landed in a long slump which helped to save its medieval buildings and fortifications. Rothenburg now thrives on tourism. There are lots of sights to see in Rothenburg but since most people spend only a day or two here, you'll want to make the most of your time.

The Market Place is truly dominated by the impressive Renaissance facade of the Rathaus with his Baroque arcade. Behind this you see the Gothic part of the building with his 120 ft high gable. In the year 1240, the Gothic building was burned down only to be rebuilt.

In the St. Jakob parish church art lovers can admire the Heiligblutaltar (Holy Blood Altar) by Tilman Riemenschneider. Both the Church of St. Jacob, dating from 1311, and the Franciscan Church , dating from 1285, features altars by Tilman Riemenschneider, one of the greatest German sculptors of the Middle Ages.

The half-timbered house with the high gable behind the well stands on the foundations of the former town hall, destroyed in 1240. On the first floor right up until the 18th century, butchers used to sell their meat and sausages here, hence its name: the Meat and Dance House. Today, it houses exhibitions of work by the many artists who live in and around the town. The works exhibited are for the most part purchasable. The latter part of the house name is derived from the fact that at one time festive occasions were celebrated in the large room above the arches.