St. Jacob's Church (St. Jakobskirche)

The basics

St. Jacob's Church is a key stop on tours that uncover the highlights of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in a day, such as the Old Town, Renaissance Town Hall, Medieval Crime Museum, and German Christmas Museum. If you’re not staying over in Rothenburg, visit on a shared or private day trip from Frankfurt. These tours sometimes also showcase other highlights such as Heidelberg’s Castle—a collection of spectacular Renaissance ruins—and its university.

Things to know before you go

• It’s free to visit St. Jacob's Church.

• The church is wheelchair-accessible, and there’s a ramp at the main entrance and the north entrance. However, there are 25 steps to get to the Altar of the Holy Blood.

• Check out the concert schedule as free organ concerts are held throughout the year.

How to get there

Rothenburg is a compact town that’s best explored on foot. St. Jacob’s Church is easy to get to as it’s right in the center and a 2-minute walk from the Marktplatz. Here, you can find other key attractions such as the Town Hall, German Christmas Museum, and Medieval Crime Museum.

When to get there

St. Jacob’s Church is open year-round, though opening hours vary depending on the season, so check the schedule in advance. Arguably the most magical time of year is the festive season, when the town hosts a Christmas Market in December, and St. Jacob’s Church is at the heart of the celebrations.

Who was Tilman Riemenscheneider?

Tilman Riemenschneider—who created the Altar of the Holy Blood in St. Jacob’s Church between 1501–1505—was a famous wood carver and master sculptor. Riemenschneider (1460–1531) was known for his wood portraits and statues. Altar of the Holy Blood depicts the Last Supper and contains what is said to be a vial of holy blood. Riemenschneider’s other notable piece of work is the Altar of the Virgin in Herrgotts Church, situated in Creglingen.