Galgentor Tower Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Originally, the Galgentor Tower was part of the defensive walls that once encircled most major Germany cities. Today, they lie largely in ruins, but it is fitting that Rothenburg ob der Tauber retains at least a portion of theirs. Originally called the Wurzburger Tower, the Galgentor Tower is famous for a rather morbid reason: it was the prime spot where public executions were held. Something of a medieval pastime in its own right, these public executions were a widely publicized event and considered to be one of the most important features of the life of a dutiful citizen. Today, the location of this tower should give away some of the importance of its past usage: it is centrally located to the town’s Market Square.