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Museum · Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Baviera
Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum
Museum of the history of law and justice in Europe over a thousand years, with documents, public punishment objects and a section on the witch hunts.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum
The Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum has been operating since 1977 in the former commandery of the Order of Saint John (Johanniter), from the turn of the 14th to the 15th century, remodeled in Baroque style in 1718. It is the main museum of legal history in Germany, with more than two thousand items.
The route follows the stages of an old criminal process: investigation, evidence, trial and sentence. The rooms deal with honor and public humiliation (with shame masks and neck rings), with trials and torture, with punishments and executioners, with the relationship between Church, empire and law, and with the witch hunts up to the 17th century.
The tone is that of a historical museum, with original texts and documents, such as law books and manuals of trials against witches. Some items may upset small children. The texts are available in English.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour and a half to two hours.
Best time
On rainy days or at midday, when the streets are busier. The museum is open every day; check the opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It is on Burggasse, about a three-minute walk from the Marktplatz, heading down toward the south wall.
Tip
Allow time: the museum is large and full of texts. The lower floors start with the process; leave the witch section for last.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum
Is the museum suitable for children?
For older children and teenagers, yes, with supervision. Some exhibits and illustrations may frighten the little ones.
Are the texts in English?
Yes, the captions are available in English.
How much time should you allow?
At least an hour and a half; those who read the captions carefully spend two hours or more.