- Bad Urach, Germany 1/04/2025 -
It was way back in October 1631, when a very large army of about 40,000 troops occupied the City of Rothenburg Ob der Tauber during the Thirty Years War (1618-1648). The initial battle to take the city didn’t take long, but 300 men fell during the attack trying to overcome the strong defensive positions. At the time, the city was one of largest cities in Germany as war raged throughout Europe. The Catholic League Army under the command of General Tilly was now in full control of the city.
Since the siege cost General Tilly 300 men, he wanted to burn the walled city to the ground. Legend says, he offered to spare the city if a citizen would volunteer to drink about 3.75 liters of wine without stopping. If the citizen failed, the city would burn. At first, no one wanted to risk failing, so the Burgermeister stepped forward and took the challenge. He surprised his citizens and General Tilly at how he made the wine disappear in one giant gulp lasting almost 10 minutes. Impressed with the drinking demonstration, General Tilly spared the town, and it survived the Thirty-Year War almost intact.
During World War II, the city was spared again by another General. This time a U.S. General by the name of John McCloy, who was familiar with the old walled city called Rothenburg Ob der Tauber, saved the city a second time. After minor damage from bombing, McCloy forbade the Allied Forces from damaging the city further with artillery. The small city was of no strategic importance and the citizens were spared the horrors of the heavy bombing campaigns. Thanks to the Allied Commander and General Tilly, who both saved this beautiful and historic city with a 1,000-year history, Rothenburg Ob der Tauber still stands today as one of the few medieval walled cities in Germany.
Rothenburg Ob der Tauber is located in Bavaria Germany and just a short 2 ½ hour scenic ride from Bad Urach (URACA). We can highly recommend any customers visiting our partner facilities in Germany to take some extra time and visit these historic treasures before heading back home. The history and culture are fascinating and there are many more stories and legends to investigate.