Michelstadt's Rathaus is the building that makes people stop in the market square. Built in 1484, it rises above the ground-floor market hall on heavy timber posts, with steep tiled roofs, small turrets, and half-timbering that looks almost theatrical.
It is one of those German town halls that seems too picturesque to be real. The square around it is small, so walk around the building and look at how it sits against the church tower and the surrounding houses.