Every year some two million visitors flock to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The town is one of the highlights of the Romantic Road, one of Germany's best known holiday theme routes. In the time between 1274 and 1803 Rothenburg was a Free Imperial City. It lost its standing following a siege during the 30-year-war and with no power or money the town stopped growing, thereby preserving its 17th century look.