St. Wolfgang, Late Gothic fortress church in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
St. Wolfgang is a late Gothic church built into the Klingentor tower of the town walls and designed as a fortified place of worship. The building contains three altars with ornate Gothic details and defensive loopholes positioned throughout its stonework.
The church was built between 1475 and 1493 by the Brotherhood of Shepherds as both a place of worship and a defensive structure. It represents how a professional guild invested in the town's religious and military infrastructure during the late medieval period.
The interior reflects the shepherds' importance to the town through its design and the nearby museum dedicated to this profession. Shepherding guilds shaped the local economy and daily rhythms for centuries.
Visiting requires steady footing and patience, as narrow staircases lead to galleries and viewing platforms. Plan your visit during milder months when the walkways are fully accessible and comfortable.
An underground network of casemates connects the church to the town walls, revealing how it functioned as both sanctuary and fortress. These hidden passages were critical during sieges, allowing defenders to move between positions without exposure.
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