Medieval Towns & Travelling

A few days of peaceful & quiet living in our small piece of Paradise and we decided to go away one last time before we come home.
So early Wednesday morning saw us leave for the Medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.  Squares & alleyways are lined with beautifully restored houses indicative of a time gone by. Massive  town gates, mighty walls that fortified the town long ago, impressive churches, interesting museums, delicious bakeries filled with schneeballs (yum, yum!!) & pastries, cafes, restaurantes & shops to delight everyone with their fantastic array of knick knacks are encountered whilst strolling through this romantic town.
After checking into our quaint hotel we immediately came across the Medieval Crime Museum. Here you get an insight (like I really wanted this!!!!!) of 1000 years of European legal history & exhibits of numerous instruments of torture.  One leaves by checking that all body extremities are still intact-( shudder).
Walking around we climbed the Defense Wall and strolled along the sentry walk.  Soon we came to the White Tower- a 12century city gate-alongside which is the former JUdentanzhaus (Jewish Dance Hall)-which was the centre of Jewish Life here in the Middle Ages.  At times 20% of Rothenburg's total population was Jewish.  Here Rabbi Meir Ben Baruch was famous for his Talmud School.  Into the garden's wall Jewish Tomb stones from the Middle Ahes are embedded.  We also visited the Imperial City Museum which houses a "Section With Jewish items".  Here were Jewish tombstones from the 13th - 15th century.  A holocaust  memorial stone in a niche is there to remind you of the cruel destruction of the whole Jewish community in Rothenburg in 1298.  Most of this room however was dedicated to Rabbi Meir Ben Baruchl -one of the most famous Talmud scholars in Germany. That night we did the Night Watchman Tour- fabulously entertaining & informative-great fun.
Next day we strolled around the town admiring its unique attractions.  The imposing Marktplatz is the centre of town- dominated by the impressive Town Hall. Next to this is the equally impressive Ratstrinkstube (City Councillors Tavern) with the windows to the right & left of of the clock opening on the hour to show the legendary "Meistertrunk".  On a whim I decided to photograph this happening at 10pm at night- of course it didn't turn out- just black.  Another must are the 2 Christmas shops- be prepared to gasp in wonder at these beautifully presented wonderworlds of magic.