Franciscan Church, Rothenburg

The Franciscan Church has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1281. The monastery church was established by Hermann von Hornburg, along with other individuals, and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Originally belonging to the Upper German (Strasbourg) province of Argentina of the Franciscan order, the church is now an Evangelical Lutheran parish.

Construction of the monastery church began in 1282, and remarkably, it has survived to this day. The church exemplifies the architectural style of a mendicant church, featuring a rood screen and housing several significant art treasures. It is widely regarded as "the best preserved and probably also the most important" mendicant order church in Franconia.

The church consists of a high, elongated chancel with ribbed vaulting that is attached to a three-nave basilica nave with a flat ceiling. This architectural design creates an impressive and harmonious space for worship and reflection. The choir of the church was consecrated in 1309, with a second consecration taking place in 1333.

During the Reformation in 1517, the Franciscan Order split, and the monastery in Rothenburg ob der Tauber chose to join the Franciscan Conventuals, also known as the Minorites. This branch of the order practiced a less strict form of the vow of poverty. Additionally, during the 15th century, a community of Franciscan tertiaries resided in the monastery temporarily until they established their own brother house. However, the Franciscan monastery continued to provide support and care for the Tertiary monastery.

The Minorite monastery succumbed to the Reformation in 1548, resulting in its abandonment. The buildings of the monastery were repurposed over the years, serving as a Latin school, an apartment for pastor's widows, and even a salt magazine after 1805. As a consequence, parts of the complex, such as the cloister and refectory, were demolished, and much of the original inventory was destroyed or sold.