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The striking beauty of Heidelberg has inspired
poets and artists for centuries. Today's
visitors can also be enchanted with the old city's traditions and historical
monuments.
The
Story of Heidelberg
The story begins with the earliest human remains ever found in Germany.
"Heidelberg Man" walked the area about 600,000 years ago, and left a
jawbone behind.
Romans moved in about 80
A.D., staying until about the year 260. In 1196, when it was just a small
village at the base of a castle, the first written reference to
"Heidelberg" appeared. In 1386, Germany's first university, Heidelberg
University, was founded.
French troops almost
decimated the town in 1693, following years of conflict between royal claimants.
During the next century, the city was rebuilt in a mix of styles, following a
Gothic pattern but with Baroque architecture.
During World War II,
Heidelberg escaped destruction. Today,
Heidelberg's population has reached 135,000 people, including 28,000 students.
The Old City and University
The best view of the old Heidelberg (Altstadt)
and
the Castle is from across the river Neckar, on the Philosopher's Path (Philosophenweg).
The panoramic view includes the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke)
with its towered gate, the 15th century Church of St. Peter, and the Castle (Schloss)
on the eastern side of the city.
As you cross the bridge and
go through the towered gate (Brückentor) you see the Stone Alley (Steingasse)
which leads to the Church of the Holy Ghost. Diagonally across from the church,
on the Hauptstrasse or Main Street is the House of the Knight St. George. Today,
the Hauptstrasse is a beautiful pedestrian passageway, graced with
historic buildings, and the House of the Knight is a hotel.
The University of Heidelberg
still has its presence in Heidelberg's Old Town. Immortalized in the opera,
"The Student Prince", the University gained a reputation as a hotbed
of intellectual thought during the Reformation. Today, student pubs are still
scattered throughout the town, keeping intact the opera's portrayal of student
life.
The Castle
The Castle, or Schloss, was built between the 14th and 17th centuries,
incorporating several different architectural styles, most dominant of which are
Gothic and Renaissance. The mix of styles stands strongly against the backdrop
of the hills around Heidelberg, drawing visitors from all over the world. Today,
the castle lies partly in ruins but its impressive stature remains.
Inside, there is a apothecary
museum with exhibits of mummified remains and an exhibition on German
Romanticism, but the biggest attraction is the famous Heidelberg Tun, a
seven-meter wine cask that holds over 220,000 liters (more than 58,000 gallons).
On top is a platform for dancing. Today when you visit the Tun you can buy a
small souvenir glass of wine and take the glass home with you.
On some Saturdays during the
summer, the castle lights up with a brilliant illumination and fireworks
display. The castle is open for guided
tours every day from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, except during Christmas week when hours
are shortened.
Online Resources for Heidelberg
Map of Heidelberg
E-Heidelberg - online Web guide
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