Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Town Hall

(Local Name: Rathaus) In the Marktplatz of Rothenburg ob der Tauber stands the imposing Town Hall (Rathaus), one of the finest in South Germany. On Herrngasse is the Gothic part of the building (13th C.), with a 50m/165ft high tower (16th C.; view); the market front is Renaissance (1572-78), with the fine Imperial Hall (dramatic performances, concerts). On the north side of the square is the former Ratstrinkstube (Council Tavern, 1466); clock with mechanical figures representing the "master draught" with which Burgomaster Nusch saved the town from plundering by Imperial forces in 1621 (daily at 11 a.m., noon and 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10 p.m.).