I'd never heard of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a relatively intact Bavarian town dating back to the Middle Ages until Chris recommended it. He described it as "over-the-top."
Indeed it was. The closer I got to the Marktplatz, the more I expected to see Hansel and Gretel come skipping down the cobblestoned streets holding hands.
My late afternoon walking tour required a bit of psychological adjustment after spending the morning at Dachau. In fact, the Nazis embraced Rothenburg as the quintessential German village going so far as to organize day trips from all over the Third Reich. Yesterday's fascist propaganda is today's fairy tale. How's that for successful re-branding?
The "red fortress on the River Tauber" sits atop a hill covered with vineyards.
Expensive gift shops contribute to the story book charm.
Bavarian scenes decorate half-timbered structures.
The old castle gate makes an excellent framing device (from both sides).
Jews were an early part of Rothenburg's history. From 1390 to 1520, their community center was located in one of the building's attached to the White Tower, built as part of the city walls nine centuries ago.
Nearby, a simple monument honors the Jewish citizens who were expelled from Rothenburg from 1933 to 1938.
More Bavaria:
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