Mothering in the Fatherland: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval walled town in Bavaria, Germany. In German, its name means "red fortress above the Tauber River". It is a walled city that has preserved its 17th century state due to the Thirty Years War, the Black Plague, and loss of trade income. It was left poor and empty in 1634 and therefore stopped growing and remained in the 17th century. Rothenburg is now a popular tourist spot to experience the "most German of German towns".

During World War II the town was seized by the Nazis and would've been destroyed had it not been for the US Assistant Secretary of War and the German local Military Commander. They both recognized the significance of this quintessential "German Home Town". After one US bombing raid, the US Asst. Sec. of War ordered to use no more artillery to gain Rothenburg. The local German Commander ignored Hilter's direct orders and gave up the town peacefully, thereby saving Rothenburg from destruction. After the war, the town quickly rebuilt the few destroyed buildings and gave people the opportunity to support Rothenburg by buying a piece of the wall. As you walk the wall you can see commemorative plaques to those that have donated money.

Portion of the wall with stairs to access a walk along the wall.

View from the wall.

Walking along the wall.

We spent the night within the city walls so that we could go on the Night Watchman's Tour. While walking around the town, a man dressed as a medieval night watchman tells the history and stories about Rothenburg. We all enjoyed the tour. Liam was mesmerized by the watchman's lantern and weapon. He listened intently for a good portion of the hour long tour.