Fodor's Expert Review Rathaus
Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber
Government Building
The heart of the city is the Rathaus, where a car-free square has become a popular gathering point with a great view. Half of the town hall is Gothic, begun in 1240; the other half is neoclassical, started in 1572, and renovated after its original facade was destroyed by a fire 500 years ago. You can climb the 220 stairs of the tower to get a good view of the Franken countryside.