Chapel of the Holy Blood – St. James Church in Rothenburg

Article by MOOK Travel Life Network’s Li Xinyi, compiled and reported | Source: Moleskine Editorial Team

Located at the junction of the Romantic Road and the Castle Road, Rothenburg still preserves the charm of a medieval town. Its intact city walls, gates, and stone-paved streets are lined with storybook houses that take on different appearances by day and night, leaving one in awe. Take a stroll through its lanes and alleys to fully appreciate this romantic historic town—you’ll find that scenic spots abound everywhere in Rothenburg.

St. James Church (St. Jakobskirche) is the most important church in Rothenburg. Construction began in 1311, and its most treasured relic, the Chapel of the Holy Blood, is located on the second floor. Created by Tilman Riemenschneider, the altar’s centerpiece depicts the famous “Last Supper,” with Judas the betrayer positioned at the center of the scene. Jesus is handing him a piece of bread while saying, “One of you will betray me.” This line shocks and concerns all the disciples, and their expressions are vividly rendered in the woodcarving—a layout that diverges from the conventional placing of Jesus at the center.

Above the carving, within a cross, there is a crystal sphere. Legend has it that after the Crusades, the Holy Blood of Jesus was brought here. The city council then commissioned Tilman Riemenschneider to create the altar to house the sacred relic, which is said to be contained within this crystal sphere. Some visitors even bring telescopes in hopes of verifying whether the blood is truly stored inside.

【Travel Information】

Address: Klostergasse 15

Getting There: A 3-minute walk from the Town Hall

Phone: +49-98-617-006-20

Business Hours: April to October, 09:00–17:15; November to March, 10:00–16:00; December, 10:00–17:00.

Ticket: €2 for adults, €1.5 for discounted tickets.

● Read More: Drink to Save the Nation – Rothenburg’s “Decisive Drink” Festival Revives Medieval History

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