Night Watchmen

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In the years before the dawn of the 20th century, the night watchman was responsible for the safety of the inhabitants of Rothenburg a walled, fortified city.  The night watchman made his rounds from nine in the evening until three in the morning, singing his "Hour Song," which reminded the people who slumbered safe in their houses that he was still alive and taking care of them. Traditionally they would carry an intimidating weapon called a halberd and a horn to warn citizens of fire. Today, the Night Watchman still appears at dusk in front of the Town Hall, on Market Square to guide the town's visitors through the romantic alleys and pathways sharing stories of Rothenburg's past.