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History of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The Imperial City Days of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The Imperial City Days should remind the citizens of Rothenburg and their guests of more than 700 years urban history of glory.

On May 15, 1274, King Rudolf of Habsburg granted to Rothenburg the right of being a "Free Imperial City". This special status brought political power and economical progress to the town. A "Free Imperial City" was nearly an independent state, with its own measuring system, own currency and the right for self-administration. During the period of glory at the end of the 14th century, Rothenburg numbered more than 6000 inhabitants, a big town during these days.

As a result of the Napoleon Wars Rothenburg lost its status in 1802. But when the 700th anniversary delivery of the status arrived in 1974, the inhabitants took the chance and decided to celebrate this important date in history. Thousands of Rothenburgers organized themselves into historical groups. Each group represents a certain period or a special profession of past days. Therefore one will meet the Knights of 1274 as well as the riflemen's guild or the Town Pipers of the Renaissance.

It's now a lot of years since the Imperial City Festival happened for the first time. And because of the great success, the Rothenburgers decided to celebrate it every year. Beyond the performances of the historical groups, there are other highlights like the Historical Festival Play or the Shepherds Dance - and, of course, the great fireworks display on Saturday evening in the Tauber valley.

Rothenburg o.d. Tauber PORTAL