WEIDMANN, Leonhard
(active 1568-1596 in Rothenburg ob der Tauber)

Exterior view

1570-78
Photo
Town Hall, Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a town in Middle Franconia, Bavaria, lying on a plateau 100 m above the River Tauber on its right bank. It is remarkable for being preserved as a complete 16th-century town bearing little evidence of later centuries, and for its intact fortifications (12th-14th centuries). The Town Hall (Rathaus) has a gabled south façade, the left gable belonging to the 13th-century wing, the right to the Renaissance wing (1570-78) by Leonhard Weidmann; the rusticated loggia was added in 1681.

Weidmann (town architect from 1574/5) made a major contribution to the 16th-century development of the city. His buildings include the Spital (1574-78); the Gymnasium (1589-99); the charming Hegereiterhaus (1591); and the Baumeisterhaus (1596), which has a fine painted façade. The town suffered damage in World War II but was subsequently restored to its former state.

The photo shows the Town Hall with the gabled south façade and the façade of the Renaissance wing dominating the Market Square.