Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a German city situated in the south-west of the country. It is the fifth largest city of the German State of Baden-Württemberg after Stuttgart, Mannheim,Karlsruhe and Freiburg im Breisgau. 

Since it is so close to Karlsruhe and always heard that it's a 'must see', I was really curious to just visit it, at least once. So, I chose the most perfect day: a nice sunny Friday with 22 °C. Only after, I knew why Heidelberg is so special and, hopefully, some interesting details and photos will excite you and make you set it as your destination for a romantic weekend...wherever you are in the world.

Let's begin!

Hauptstraße is the most attractive 'path' to start exploring the small beautiful city for both the locals and especially, tourists, who, by the way, are all over. :) You would rather hear English being spoken, than German, and, at the same time, see a lot of Asian visitors. What enchant your eyes are old style buildings, stuffed with coffee shops, restaurants or small pubs, book shops and a lot of cool brands stores you can do your shopping in. Moreover, flowers, artists singing or drawing, amazingly color and animate life in this place.

Souvenirs? Well, you sure have a lot of nice things to choose from. I only photographed the cutest:

    

Out there in the big world and looking for a place to continue your studies?

You should then know that Heidelberg is the seat of the University of Heidelberg which is well-known far beyond Germany's borders.

Founded in 1386, it is the oldest university in Germany and was the fourth university established in the Holy Roman Empire. A coeducational institution since 1899, today Heidelberg consists of twelve faculties and offers degree programs at undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral levels in 100 disciplines.

One of the most universally admired scientists of his generation, Robert Bunsen was a German chemist, who after years of formation in different universities such as Göttingen, Polytechnic School of Kassel,  University of Marburg,University of Breslau, finally joined the University of Heidelberg in 1852.

 

Today, his discovery of the use of iron oxidehydrate as a precipitating agent is still the best known antidote against arsenic poisoning. So, do not just ignore his imposing statue. He really deserves our attention and recognition, right?

What I couldn't avoid were the churches. :)

Actually, there are many historical churches in Heidelberg and its environs. But I chose to show you the Church of the Holy Spirit (founded in 1398), which has been shared over the centuries since the Protestant Reformation by both Catholics and Protestants. It is one of the few buildings to survive the many wars during the past centuries. It was rebuilt after the French set fire to it in 1709 during the War of the Palatinian Succession and has remains of the tombs and epitaphs of the past Palatinate electors.

The Heiliggeistkirche  stands in the Marktplatz next to the seat of local government and it is now exclusively used by Protestants. 

View of Marktplatz

     

Furthermore, Heidelberg is a popular tourist destination due to its romantic and picturesque cityscape's character including the Heidelberg Castle and the baroque style Old Town.

View of castle from Town Square

You can enjoy the view of Heidelberg from the above Heidelberg Castle. For only 3 euros if a student or 5, if not the case, you have access to the Castle's courtyard, the Museum of German Pharmacy and even the great wine cellar that hosts the largest wine barrel in the world (220,000 litres/58,000 US gallons). How amazing is that??? :) I felt soooo little at the sight of such a huge 'monster.'

The castle is a mix of styles from Gothic to Renaissance. Prince Elector Ruprecht III (1398–1410) erected the first building in the inner courtyard as a royal residence. The building was divided into a ground floor made of stone and framework upper levels.

     View from Stück-garden upon the ruins of the Rondells and he Heidelberg Old Town

                                                                   

During the Heidelberg Castle Festival in the summer, the courtyard is the site of open air musicals, operas, theatre performances, and classical concerts performed by the Heidelberg Philharmonics.

                                          Inside the Museum of German Pharmacy

View of the Old Bridge over river Neckar

Ready! The rest is to be still discovered. And it sure was quite a lot to do and see in only one day visit to Heidelberg, wasn't it? :) 

                                 Enjoy your trip,

                                                       Claudia