Sue and Paul Connolly: From one wall to the next.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber and a day trip to Wurzburg.

Our destination after leaving Berlin by train was to visit Julia who lives and works in Rothenburg during the week. Robert was also going to be there on the Sunday we arrived. We were looking forward to catching up again as they had both partied with us for Paul’s 60^th in Ireland. Tom was also venturing along for the ride. We had a few changes of trains at various stations, some with a 4 min connection…..this was a bit scary at first but having a 24 year old along helping to spot signs for the platforms was great.

The walled medieval town we entered and explored was a truly amazing experience. I am not sure I would want to visit this place in peak season as it has over 2 million visitors a year. One of the first things we did was walk the city wall. It follows the course of the oldest town fortification. As you walk around the wall there are plaques acknowledging individuals and companies who have donated money to assist with the restoration of the wall.

A visit to the Medieval Crime Museum was thought provoking as it depicts a unique and detailed insight into 1000 years of legal history. There are lots of instruments that were used for torture and executions along with some very interesting masks that were worn to let people know you were being named and shamed for inappropriate actions, gossiping, rude comments or jokes.

Some more history was uncovered at the Old Rothenburg's Craftsmen's House built at the end of the 13th Century. Apparently a hermit lived in this place for many years not needing electricity or running water. The house has its own well and due to no modern facilities being added it was preserved unaltered.

I really noticed the colour of the trees and the leaves here in Germany and the colours of autumn. Most of the shop window displays are based around this as a theme. Restaurants serve autumn foods such as pumpkin soup, local mushrooms, and lots of pork dishes. Really nice food and beer and thanks to Julia and her friend Thomas we discovered many delicious dishes.

Julia suggested we do a day trip to nearby Wurzburg . The train trip was very quick and easy and it didn't take us long to start exploring this City. During 1945 90% of this place was destroyed in about 17 minutes by fire due to it being bombed. Seeing a model of the city before and after the bombing and seeing how it has been rebuilt you realise that the history now apparent is due to the dedication of the population and the funding of the government. One of the most important palaces in Europe "Residence Palace" is in the central part of the city. This Palace has a magnificent staircase leading up to three large rooms with brilliant vaulted ceilings painted by a Venetian artist depicting the four known continents. We Australians were not on the scene back then. Other parts of the Palace have been reconstructed to make this a wonderful place to visit. Crossing a bridge we ended up at the Fortress Marienberg for a quick tour and a visit to the museum and then back to the train.

Rothenburg was such a beautiful city, one we thoroughly enjoyed. Before leaving, Julia gave us a guided tour of Kathe Wohlfahrt an amazing Christmas shop that attracts lots of tourists. Thanks Julia, Robert and Thomas for showing us around. Next stop Munich.