Castle Gate, Rothenburg

Castle Gate is a significant historical landmark. Its origins can be traced back to the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in 1356 that destroyed the original Castle at Rothenburg. As a result, the Castle Gate was constructed as a new entrance to the town.

Situated at the entrance of Rothenburg, the Castle Gate comprises two distinctive round buildings, both constructed prior to 1600. One of these structures functioned as a guard house, housing the town's defenders who were responsible for maintaining security and safeguarding the inhabitants. The other building served as the customs house, where travelers entering the town from the Tauber valley had to pay a toll before proceeding further.

Rothenburg Castle, originally built around 1142 in the Burg garden, held great historical significance for the town. Although the castle was largely destroyed, one of the original buildings was reconstructed by Heinrich Toppler, the mayor, around 1400. In the Burg garden, a stone stands in honor of Heinrich Toppler, preserving his memory and contribution to the restoration of the castle.

A notable feature of the Castle Gate is the middle gate of the bastion, adorned with a distinctive mask. This mask is crafted with a hole at the mouth, which served a tactical purpose during times of attack. The defenders of Rothenburg would pour scalding hot pitch onto the heads of their enemies attempting to storm the gate through this hole, effectively deterring their advance. Additionally, on either side of the mask, there are two openings through which chains were used to lower a drawbridge over the moat, providing further defense against potential invaders.