Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a German town in northern Bavaria known for its medieval architecture. Half-timbered houses line the cobblestone lanes of its old town. The town walls include many preserved gate houses and towers, plus a covered walkway on top. St. Jakob’s Church houses an intricate, late Gothic altarpiece by woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider. The medieval Town Hall has a tower with panoramic views.
The Schneeball/Snowball
A Schneeball or snowball in english, is a pastry made from shortcrust pastry and is especially popular in the area of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Its name derives from its round, ball-like shape, and its traditional decoration with white confictioners sugar.
This kind of pastry has been known for at least 300 years in the regions of Franconia and Hohenlohe (northeast of Baden-Württemberg) where it is very popular. Served only on special occasions such as weddings in the past; they are nowadays available throughout the year and can be found around Rothenburg ob der Tauber in bakery shops and cafes In the town itself, there are even companies that specialize in the pastry, constantly coming out with new variations. Beside the classical ones dusted with confectioner's sugar, there are recipes glazed with chocolate and nuts or filled with marzipan. As the pastry is considered the signature dish of the town, it is a very common souviner.
The St.James Church
St. James church is a historic Lutheran church in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which serves as a church on the pilgimage route to St. James Church in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It has two towers.
Its western gallery contains the famous Holy Blood altarpiece of the Würzburg wood carver Tilman Riemenschneider, carved 1500-1505, which includes a rock crystal reliquary cross. The altar includes scenes of the entry into Jerusalem, Lord's Supper (shrine) with Judas as central figure and the Mount of Olives.
