Rothenburg Medieval Music History Walking Tour

Bored of the standard city tour? Want to experience a one-of-a-kind experience unique in the world? This tour combines:
-live vocal music & recorder performances
-the history of Rothenburg,
-my love of music
-an introduction to German medieval composers AND
some laughs as we stroll through the old medieval town. Join me, Margareta von Schwangau, the wife of the last Minnesager Oswald von Wolkenstein, and discover the past through music!
Children under 12 are free and are not included as paying participants.

Meeting Point

Marktpl. 1

Marktpl. 1, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Start Time: typically 10:45 AM

What's included:

• Guide

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Rothenburg Town Hall (Rathaus)

Marktplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 91541, Bavaria

Starting point: Market Square/Town Hall
-Introduction to Minnesang (Music of Medieval Germany)
-explanation my character "Margarete von Schwangau"
-explanation of the legend of the Master Draught/Meistertrunk (UNSESCO World Heritage event)
-history of the Glockenspiel at the Market Square
-Live performance of song by medieval/Renaissance composer Oswald von Wolkenstein

10 minutes

Medieval Crime and Justice Museum

Burggasse 3-5, , Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 91541, Bavaria

St. Johannes Church/Medieval Crime Museum
-See original city wall from the 12th century
-Introduction to medieval chant
-Chant and the Black Death/Plague
-The role of St. Johannes church & surrounding buildings in the medieval period
-Live performance of chant song

8 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Das Plonlein

Untere Schmiedgasse 16-25, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 91541, Bavaria

Previous Stop (not available to peg):
An der Eich Observation Deck of the Tauber Valley
-Introduction to medieval composer Wolfram von Eschenbach
-Love and romance in medieval German culture
-Explanation of current location, medieval double bridge, vinyard valley view
-Earthquake of 1356 and Rothenburg
-History of the castle of Rothenburg and the Staufer Dynasty (Hohnstaufer)
-Live performance of a song by Wolfram von Eschenbach

DAS PLÖNLEIN
-History of "das Plönlein"
-Explanation of the buildings and current location -1st expansion of the old city wall.
-Trivia about Rothenburg
-Introduction to composer Neidhart von Reuental
-Depiction of the lives of the middle and lower class through lyrics
-Live performace of a song by Neidhart von Reuental

8 minutes

Die Rossmuhle

Rossmuhlgasse, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 91541, Bavaria

In between stop, " Linden Tree/Fischturm" not available to peg on map.
LINDEN TREE
-Role of the linden tree in medieval German and modern culture and its significance in Rothenburg's history
-Introduction of composer Walter von der Vogelweide
-Live performance of song Under the Linden by Walter von der Vogelweide
-More about Minnesang (high and low Minnesang), how it evolved through time

NAG'S MILL
-Historical significance of the mill in the center of town (noteworthy Renaissance building)
-Explanation of medieval grain storage practices

9 minutes

Spitalviertel

Spitalgasse, , Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 91541, Bavaria

HOSPITAL QUARTER SQUARE
-Explanation & history of current location -2nd and final expansion of the medieval city wall
-Location of hospital and church and the residence of the staff explained
-Architectural highlights of the Renaissance

5 minutes

Holy Ghost Church

Spitalgasse 46, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, 91541, Bavaria

-Enter the church to learn about the fascinating life of mystery medieval composer
-Life of nun and composer born in 1098
-Influence of mystery composer on politics, science and Christianity
-Live performance of a work by mystery composer in the church with wonderful acoustics

8 minutes

Spital Bastion

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria

SPITALBASTEI/ Hospital Bulwerk/Fortification (Spital Bastion)
-Step inside the Spital-bulwerk, largest and youngest fortification in Rothenburg
-Significance of mentioned historic site
-Learn about the mercenary soldiers, their role in the Renaissance
-Introduction to last composer, who wrote a song for the mercenary soldiers
-Live performance of previous song mentioned
-Tour ends

8 minutes