This magnificent Gothic place of worship is Rothenburg’s main church. Built in the 14th century as a Catholic church, it was once a stop on medieval pilgrimages to Santiago. However, it became Lutheran in 1544. In front is a beautiful altar with the 12 apostles. Behind it is a large painting of Rothenburg’s Market Square in the 15th century.Stairs in the back of the church lead to an exquisite work of art—a wood carving, Altar of the Holy Blood. It was commissioned around 1500 to hold a relic—a capsule of rock crystal which supposedly held three drops of Christ’s blood. The scene is of the Last Supper as Jesus gives Judas a piece of bread. It is true to the Biblical description. Photos on the wall show how Judas can be removed from the scene.
Outside the church is a scene of Jesus praying at Gethsemane. Most of the statues outside the church are copies. The originals are housed in the city museum.
Organ concerts are held some evenings, but not when we were there. Apparently, the church’s organ is quite famous.
This was one of the prettiest churches we saw, in my opinion. Being Protestant, I enjoy the clean architectural lines and beautiful windows more than the gold and curlicues of other churches and cathedrals.
EUR1.50. Open M-S 9am-5pm; shorter time on Sunday. Be sure to pick up the informative free brochure in English.