Castle Gate, Rothenburg
Castle Gate is a significant historical landmark. Its origins can be traced back to the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in 1356 that destroyed the original Castle at Rothenburg. As a result, the Castle Gate was constructed as a new entrance to the town.
Situated at the entrance of Rothenburg, the Castle Gate comprises two distinctive round buildings, both constructed prior to 1600. One of these structures functioned as a guard house, housing the town's defenders who were responsible for maintaining security and safeguarding the inhabitants. The other building served as the customs house, where travelers entering the town from the Tauber valley had to pay a toll before proceeding further.
Rothenburg Castle, originally built around 1142 in the Burg garden, held great historical significance for the town. Although the castle was largely destroyed, one of the original buildings was reconstructed by Heinrich Toppler, the mayor, around 1400. In the Burg garden, a stone stands in honor of Heinrich Toppler, preserving his memory and contribution to the restoration of the castle.
A notable feature of the Castle Gate is the middle gate of the bastion, adorned with a distinctive mask. This mask is crafted with a hole at the mouth, which served a tactical purpose during times of attack. The defenders of Rothenburg would pour scalding hot pitch onto the heads of their enemies attempting to storm the gate through this hole, effectively deterring their advance. Additionally, on either side of the mask, there are two openings through which chains were used to lower a drawbridge over the moat, providing further defense against potential invaders.
Situated at the entrance of Rothenburg, the Castle Gate comprises two distinctive round buildings, both constructed prior to 1600. One of these structures functioned as a guard house, housing the town's defenders who were responsible for maintaining security and safeguarding the inhabitants. The other building served as the customs house, where travelers entering the town from the Tauber valley had to pay a toll before proceeding further.
Rothenburg Castle, originally built around 1142 in the Burg garden, held great historical significance for the town. Although the castle was largely destroyed, one of the original buildings was reconstructed by Heinrich Toppler, the mayor, around 1400. In the Burg garden, a stone stands in honor of Heinrich Toppler, preserving his memory and contribution to the restoration of the castle.
A notable feature of the Castle Gate is the middle gate of the bastion, adorned with a distinctive mask. This mask is crafted with a hole at the mouth, which served a tactical purpose during times of attack. The defenders of Rothenburg would pour scalding hot pitch onto the heads of their enemies attempting to storm the gate through this hole, effectively deterring their advance. Additionally, on either side of the mask, there are two openings through which chains were used to lower a drawbridge over the moat, providing further defense against potential invaders.
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Castle Gate on Map
Sight Name: Castle Gate
Sight Location: Rothenburg, Germany (See walking tours in Rothenburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rothenburg, Germany (See walking tours in Rothenburg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rothenburg, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Rothenburg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rothenburg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rothenburg Introduction Walking Tour
Picturesquely positioned on the steep banks of the River Tauber, the Bavarian town of Rothenburg offers a glimpse into Germany's medieval past.
The town's full name 鈥� Rothenburg ob der Tauber 鈥� translates to 鈥淩ed castle above the Tauber鈥�. This moniker stems from the German words 鈥渞ot鈥� (which means red) and 鈥渂urg鈥� (castle) and refers to its location (on an elevated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
The town's full name 鈥� Rothenburg ob der Tauber 鈥� translates to 鈥淩ed castle above the Tauber鈥�. This moniker stems from the German words 鈥渞ot鈥� (which means red) and 鈥渂urg鈥� (castle) and refers to its location (on an elevated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Old Town Gates and Towers Walking Tour
The impressive walls surrounding the charming medieval town of Rothenburg showcase a series of distinct gates and towers, each with its unique story and significance.
These fortifications were built in the 14th century to protect the town from outside threats and today serve as one of its most iconic landmarks. Stretching for approximately four kilometers, the stone walls have been carefully... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
These fortifications were built in the 14th century to protect the town from outside threats and today serve as one of its most iconic landmarks. Stretching for approximately four kilometers, the stone walls have been carefully... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles