Jacob's Church

Rothenburg's town church of St. Jakob - a place of pilgrimage to Tilman Riemenschneider

The name of the town church already suggests it: Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located on the Ways of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. Over 1000 pilgrims arrive at St. James's Church every year. World famous: the impressive one Holy Blood Altar by Tilman Riemenschneider. You definitely shouldn't miss it, but it's also worth taking a detailed visit to 1311 – 1484 completed St. Jacob's Church. We'll explain why.

Altar in St. Jacob's ChurchRTS, Pfitzinger

View from St. Jacob's ChurchRTS, Pfitzinger

Gate at St. Jacob's ChurchRTS, Pfitzinger

Towers and roofs of Rothenburg's old townRTS, Schöbel

The Holy Blood relic in Tilman Riemenschneider's altar

An Relics in a Protestant church? What seems strange at first makes perfect sense here. The Riemenschneider Altar was not destroyed when the denomination changed (St. Jakob was once an old church, i.e. Catholic). The Wooden altar in the western high choir represents this last supper The relic is located in the cross above the detailed carvings - sacramental wine, the blood of Jesus, was poured out on a cloth. The altar offers a few others surprising peculiarities: It's best if you take part in one of the daily church tours through St. Jakob so as not to miss any of the secrets of the altar.
The first look is at the Herlin Altar

Speaking of missing out: This happens to some hurried visitors with the entire Riemenschneider altar. Because when you enter the Jakobskirche you don't look at it, but at the one in the east choir Main altar the church. This comes from Friedrich Herlin and is hardly less important than the Riemenschneider Altar. The main altar of St. Jacob is also as 12 Messengers Altar known. On his wings is the way of St. Jacob is depicted after Santiago de Compostela, and can also be found here oldest representation of the Rothenburg market square. If you look closely you will recognize them Council drinking room As well as the Town hall Rothenburg before the fire of 1501 with the old Gothic facade.
Impressive in the morning: the windows in the east choir

Visitors can hardly stop being amazed when they enter the church of St. Jakob in the sunshine in the morning. Then they shine Window in the east choir in a wide variety of colors. Here, too, it is worth taking a look at the details: there is a representation of the in one of the windows Flight of the Jewish people from Egypt. Instead of manna, pretzels fall from the sky on the refugees so that they can survive the journey through the desert. A divine miracle in Bavarian-Franconian terms.
The organ concerts in St. Jakob

The Rieger organ in St. Jakob is one of the largest in all of Bavaria. short, free organ concerts take place in the church all year round. There is also the opportunity during Advent 30 minute concerts Listening to it – an impressive experience. Another special feature: The organ of St. Jakob can be played on both sides - both towards the nave and towards the west choir with the altar by Tilman Riemenschneider. Another special feature of Jacob's Church: the two towers were built at different heights.

Opening times Jakobskirche Rothenburg (St. Jakob):

St. Jacob's Church is open as follows:

From 01.04. The church is open from 31.10.2023 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. until October 18.00, XNUMX
From 01.11. The church is open from 30.11.2023 p.m. to 12.00 p.m. until November 15.00, XNUMX
From 01.12. The church is open from 31.12.2023 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. until November 17.00, XNUMX

Discover St. Jakob in Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Episode 1

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8lMltlRyPY

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