European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 21, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                The Doppe Brucke crosses the Tauber River and abuts the main Road leading from the Tauber Valley to the Hill on which Rothenburg  Rothenburg continued from Page 3 a although he needed three Days to sleep off the effects. The episode led to the annual performances of the mighty draught play which celebrates the heroic act. It is presented on the second sunday in july and september to audiences that number in the tens of thousands. The wine Tankard used by the sex mayor is on display in the Imperial City museum Reichstadt museum. Rothenburg is blessed with numerous churches. Easily the largest and most ornamental is St. James Church a few blocks from the town Hall. The Church which dates Back to 1448, took 100 years to build. Sculptures paintings and the holy blood altar Are what sets this Church apart from the others. According to legend the altar got its name from the three drops of Christ s blood that is contained within a Rock Crystal in the Gold plated Cross. Returning to the town Hall and following one of the main streets a obese Schmie Gasse a away from the. Mark Platz leads to a place that cries out to have its picture taken. This is the Plon Tein the intersection of two Cobblestone streets leading to towers. The streets Are lined with half timbered houses and shops with suspended wrought Iron signs and is a Haven from the crowds packing other parts of town. Turn left and head for the fault urm a or Quot Rotten  this Tower is on the City Walls Between the Roi Lertor one of the main entrances into the town and the Spital Tower adjacent to the old Hospital and its Chapel which houses a Small collection of Art. The fault urm is one of the City s Many Lookout towers. It is said that the Tower is As deep As it is High and that its name derives from the foul remnants left by the prisoners in the Dungeon below. Near Here it is possible to climb onto the old town Walls and walk around the ramparts looking at the City and Countryside below. The tranquil farmlands that surround the City and the cultivated lawns and gardens inside and along the Walls add to the City s peaceful setting. Benches in the gardens outside the town Gates invite visitors to sit and read or watch the Sunset or a in Winter a take a walk along tin Snow covered paths. The Moats once full of Vyater Are now Home to playgrounds filled w Ith children one sight Lur it for Peai Elul is the i Ity s crime museum on Side Street Between the Mark Platz and old Klein. This is not a i 2-minute shuttle through a staid Hall full of ancient weapons but rather a Large display of what passed for medieval Justice. Devices in the four Story museum Range from a shame mask for women who gossip to an executioner s axe. Everything is Well documented in English and German. Among other must stops in Rothenburg Are the doll and toy museum the Toppler Castle the craftsman s House and the Art exhibitions in the Fleisch and Tanhaus. But there is More to Rothenburg than its buildings and its Walls. Rothenburg is Well known for its Christmas Market which this year runs nov. 29 through dec. 22. Booths and stands with gifts decorations food and drink pack much of the old town. Entertainment including Christmas serenades choir and Organ concerts string music children s singing and theater is presented throughout the 23 Days. Many hotels hold special Christmas evenings with musical backgrounds and there Are also torchlight processions of children As Well As hikes through the Woods. Not to be missed is Kuithe Wohlfahrt s Christmas store. It is open year round and could easily pass for Santa s summer workshop during the off season. During the Christmas Market it is jammed often with a line waiting outside to get in to examine its gifts Holiday supplies and automated displays. Although other stores in the area also specialize in since 1446, St. George s Well has supplied water to residents a and thirsty pigeons a of Rothenburg. Christmas gifts none is As renowned As this one. Rothenburg of Der Tauber is one of the most popular stops on Germany s romantic Road. It is about 55 Miles West of Niernberg via autobahn 6 and 7, and about 30 Miles Southeast of Wurzburg via autobahn 7. There Are several hotels inside the town Walls and in the surrounding area. Reservations Are advised especially during the Christmas Market. Hotel information is available at the City reservations office in the City councillors tavern or by calling 09861 -40492. The City s information office is open year round from 9 . To noon and 2-6 . Its Telephone number is 09861-40462. Children line a railing at the Kathe Wohlfahrt store to get a Good View of one of its Christmas displays. A amps five 4 stripes Magazine november 21, 1991