If you travel enough in Europe, churches and cathedrals are like wine, some equisite and others weak. Saint Jakob in Rothenburg is of top-shelf quality. When traveling in South Central Germany, give it a taste.
The twin-towered house of our Lord resides inside the walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The ‘red fortress on the Tauber River’ is 77 miles northeast of Stuttgart with easy accessibility by car or train. I recommend the train. The Rothenburg station is a short walk to the city gates.
High Blood Altar - St. Jakob Church
Walking into St Jakob, you are first impressed by the white rippling arches that highlight the structure’s simple immensity. The focal point becomes the church’s centerpiece, the 12 Apostles Altar. Golden images of the disciples gaze from both sides of the altar. I cannot be sure who is the twelfth, Judas or Mary Magdalene? Another stop is the High Blood Altar where life-sized sculptures of Jesus and his followers celebrate the Last Supper. Throughout the church you will find other interesting artwork and relics.
St. Jakob was constructed between 1311 and 1484. It is here where a German knight by the name of Florian Geyer read articles of revolting peasants who supported the reformations of Martin Luther. The Peasants War enjoyed some early victories for the underdogs before disappearing in to history’s dust.
I find it fascinating sitting in 500-plus year old church. Over 25,000 sermons echoed against the white walls. How many baptisms or weddings? The count continues.
The first Liebfraumilch that I tasted was a Saint Jakob. Excellent! When you are traveling in Germany, be sure to tour the incredible Rothenburg ob der Tauber. While inside its comfy walls, sample Saint Jakob Church. It is a fine vintage with a sweet after-taste.
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Written by Mark F. Weber
I am an international business professor in Pittsford, NY who managed a business unit for a German company. My passion is family and friends, plus roaming the countryside on my road bicycle.