We walk the market, and shops. Oh the amazing things to buy. Traditional german items. lace, wool, ornaments, steins, nutcrackers, wooden ornaments, coo-coo clocks, nativity scenes, so much to choose from. We mark many things off the list. Next up more sight seeing!
We wander the town, before coming on St Jakobs Kirchel. Amazing church from 14th century. There is a statue as we arrive, that is St James, also known as Santiago in Spanish. His remains are entombed in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The medieval pilgrimage route the Camino de Santiago passed through here. The status is relatively modern for what the church has to offer inside. On the main floor of the church is is breathtaking to see the extremely large stain glass windows, each telling a different story of Mary and Jesus. There is also an interesting wooden boat known as the Christmas Boat. The Christmas message represented by the manger of Bethlehem is connected with a boat on its way to the shores of time. These germans sure know how to carve wood, with precision and beauty.
After strolling the main area, upstairs, is the scene stealer. In an upstairs chapel shared with a more modern pipe organ, you are met with a real beauty. There is a 500+ year old, 35+ foot carved alter. The piece is amazing, and the artist is referred to as the Michelangelo of Germany. He also was working on this piece at the same time Michelangelo was working on his masterpiece. This is a well worth a break from the market. Meet back up with Chris for more touring. Another place worth spending our euros was the Town Hall Tower. Although a bit claustrophobic and tight, the 200+ step climb gives you a panoramic, and spectacular view of the walled city. This inspires us to grab a bite and do the wall walk. The Fitbit is trackin
steps today.
steps today.
A couple of biers, and the longest bratwurst you have ever seen...
and we head to the wall. Another good decision. The 3k walk gives you more history of the city, views of the surrounding area, and idea of what it meant to outsiders. Finish the walk, back to the hotel. Back to market, for warm cherry beer, better than it sounds, and you can add a shot of brandy for 1eu. The music is alive with tourists, locals (you know them because they are drinking the Gluewein from what looks to be cups from their kitchen) musicians, laugher, and merriement. We enjoy live music from a santa playing trumpet, a trio singing more opera style, a brass band, and another santa with a doggie on an accordion. You can feel the joy throughout the market square. We grab another warm beverage and find a cozy cubby to people, watch and take it all in. We know we are one of the lucky ones to have this trip. We begin to do more strolling, and come across a tailor. Should we get a lederhosen and durndell for Oktoberfest in US? well for 900 eu each, I guess not this trip.
We stop in for dinner at Weinstrube zum pulveer. they are all full for the night, but our waiter, fits us in. This place is super cozy, from the ornate wooden chairs, to the dark wood, this feels like an ancient wine bar. It is beautiful and welcoming. Franconion cheese soup in a homemade rye bowl for Trish (Chase and Dawn were right, so delicious) and Game Goulash w/Spatzle, red cabbage and cranberries for Chris. Although a wine bar, Schwarzbier is the choice to wash it all down. Back to stroll the walled city, one more walk through of the market, and to end the night, the local favorite, Schneeballen.
It was a lovely time in Rothenburg. Couple of quick stops in the morning and we will continue on our german journey! Auf Wiedersehen!
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