Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the cities on the
Romantische Strasse (Romantic Road) that has preserved vestiges of their medieval importance into the 21st century. A series of walls and towers defended the city over the ages, the most recent still stands and surrounds most of the older part of the city. Stairwells ascend to the top of the wall at intervals, and the entire wall can be walked. In addition, the Rodertor tower at the east end of the city is opened daily to allow a climb up stairs to the vista atop it.
During the waning days of World War II, the United States Army Air Corps bombed the city railway yards (of limited military value), which resulted in damage also to the historic old city walls. An exhibit with photos can be seen in the visitor room atop the Rodertor. After the war, the residents of the city quickly repaired the bombing damage.
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