Medieval Double Bridge - Tauber Bridge
The Tauber Bridge is a historic road bridge that spans the Tauber Valley west of the town center of the Middle Franconian town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria.
The Double Bridge (early fourteenth century) is a pleasant walk outside of Rothenburg. It is found to the west of the walled town (use Kobolzeller Gate). It was fortified just after the devastating earthquake of 1356 and formed part of Rothenburg's defenses.
The best preserved medieval town in Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber fits the word romantic perfectly. Walk the wall that encircles Rothenburg to get various perspectives of architecture in the middle ages (as well as a lot of exercise). Climb to the top of the Rothenburg Town Hall Tower (circa 1250-1400) for the wide angle view of Rothenburg and surrounding, mostly pastoral countryside.
The double bridge with its two rows of arches, one on top of the other, was built some time around 1330. It lies at the foot of the southwestern valley side below Rothenburg. In terms of building activity, it is known to be renovated in 1791, after the four upper arches had collapsed the year before. In 1925 the eastern approach to the bridge was widened. Twenty years later, the structure was blown up by German troops. Rebuilding took an entire year and was reopened on 10 November 1956.