Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Ansbach, Bavaria, Germany — Central Europe

Galgentorturm / Gallows Gate Tower

Photographed By James Hulse, February 19, 2024

1. Galgentorturm / Gallows Gate Tower Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

German:
(auch Würzburger Tor)
Bauzeit: um 1330

Bezeichnung nach der
Straßenführung zu den
Richtstätten bzw. Würzburg,
Teilabbruch der Bastei
Mitte 19. Jh.
English Translation:
(also Würzburg Gate)
Construction time: around 1330

Named after the
road route to the
places of execution or Würzburg,
Partial demolition of the bastion
Mid-19th century.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1330.

Location. 49° 22.779′ N, 10° 11.039′ E. Marker is in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bayern (Bavaria), in Ansbach. Marker is at the intersection of Galgengasse and Vorm Würzburger Tor, on the right when traveling west on Galgengasse. The marker is located on the right side of the entrance to the tower gate. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Galgengasse 56, Rothenburg ob der Tauber BY 91541, Germany. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Galgen- oder Würzburger-Tor / Gallows Gate (here, next to this marker); Streichwehr / Invasion Defence (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Thomasturm / Thomas Tower (about 150 meters away); Henkersturm / Executioner's Storm (about 210 meters away); Rabbi Meir ben Baruch von Rothenburg (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Büttelhaus / Bailiff's House (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Schrannenscheune / Grain Storage Barn (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Türme der Nordflanke / Towers of the north flank (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Also see . . . City wall and city gates. Rothenburg Tourism Service

Judgments in the Middle Ages: The Little Head Meadow ("Köpfleinswiese") - A Gruesome Place! Starting in 1368, the town had the right to exercise capital judgment over its subjects-known as "Blood Court." Much as crime-weary Americans embraced draconian "Three Strikes" laws in the late 20th century, medieval Rothenburgers dealt with crimes such as theft, adultery, and blasphemy in the same manner as serious crimes such as robbery and murder. Being placed in the stocks, branding, hanging, and beheading were some of the gruesome punishments handed down in those times. As a symbol of the authority of an imperial town, the "Blood Court" existed until about 1800.

With all
Photographed By James Hulse, February 19, 2024

2. Galgentorturm / Gallows Gate Tower Marker
these towers named for prisons and a heritage of gruesome punishments, it's no wonder Rothenburg has the most important museum of medieval crime and punishment in Germany. Don't miss the Rothenburg Crime Museum, just off the Market Square.

(Submitted on March 7, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The Gallows Gate Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 19, 2024

3. The Gallows Gate Tower

Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 6, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.