Heidelberg
Germany's most romantic city
Heidelberg is renowned for its romantic ambiance.Heidelberg is an endlessly walkable little city. Stroll the Old Town for traditional markets on the squares and cosmopolitan shopping on the bustling Hauptstrasse (Main Street).The ruins of the Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle) are a steep but short hike, or one stop up on the funicular railway, from the Old Town. Majestically perched high above the narrow lanes and picturesque roofs of town, the magnificent red sandstone structure crow the city. For five centuries it was the glamorous residence of the Electors Palatine.
The city has drawn and inspired great writers and thinkers for many centuries, leading its popular walking path to become known as the Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk). Recognized as one of Europe’s most beautiful trails, it offers a leisurely amble to see the panorama of the city and river below that moved the likes of Goethe, Mark Twain, Carl Maria von Weber, Alan Ginsburg and many more.
The famous ruins of the 
The "Alte Brücke" (Old Bridge) is a stone bridge which was erected from 1786 to 1788. On the town side, the medieval bridge gate, originally part of the town walll, is especially well-preserved. Baroque tower helmets were added during the erection of the bridge. 
For more than 250 years, Heidelberg's philosophers and university teachers have walked and talked along the "Philosophenweg" (Philosopher's Walk,) inspired by a beautiful view of Heidelberg and a climate that much like that of the Italian Tuscany. The "Philosophenweg" at the "Heiligenberg" - Heidelberg's local mountain - derives its name from the fact that Heidelberg's philosophers and university teachers are said to have once walked and talked here. Even today, this world-famous path offers new sights and insights. Enjoy a beautiful view of Heidelberg and a climate that reminds you of the Italian Tuscany. Many sub-tropical plants flourish in the "Philosophengärtchen" (Philosopher's Garden). 
On June 24, 1712, university chancellor Prof. Dr. Melchior Kirchner laid the foundation-stone for the "Alte Universität" (Old University), as the building is called today. The architect was Johann Adam Breunig of Mainz. The "Alte Aula" (Old Assembly Hall) built by the architect Josef Durm was added in 1885 shortly before the university's 500th anniversary. 
The southern side of the "Universitätsplatz" (University Square) is flanked by the "Neue Universität" (New University). The building contains lecture halls and a large assembly hall. The "Neue Universität" (built 1930 - 1933) replaced a neo-classical building created by the architect Friedrich Weinbrenner in 1828 for Heidelberg's museum's association. 
Before the Thirty Years War, contemporaries considered the "Schlossgarten" (Castle Gardens) as being the "Eighth Wonder of the World." In former times, the geometrically designed terraces of a Renaissance garden stood out against the wooded background of the "Heidelberger Schloss" (Heidelberg Castle). In the south-east corner of the garden, visitors will find the remains of the "Gro
In the 17th century, when the Protestant region was taken over by a Catholic sovereign, Jesuits supported this change by erecting Madonna statues wherever they could - one of which is the "Madonna vom Kornmarkt" (Madonna at the Grain Market). The statue became a focal point of religious worship in Heidelberg. 
The original "Marstall" (stables) was built during the first half of the 16th century on the banks of the Neckar River so that the trading vessels could anchor in front of it. Following the original building's destruction in the second half of the 17th century, a new structure - the one we see today - was built in the 19th-century in neo-classical style. 
The triumphal "Karlstor" (Charles Gate) in honor of the Prince Elector Karl Theodor, located at Heidelberg's very east, was erected between 1775 and 1781 and designed by Nicolas de Pigage. 
The large building complex of the "Universitätsbibliothek" (University Library) was erected from 1901 to 1905. Previously, a monastery had been located here. Joseph Durm of Karlsruhe designed the construction plans using motifs of the so called "Deutschmanierismus" (an ornamental style of German architecture dating back to the late 16th century) and combining them with elements of "Jugendstil" (Art Nouveau). Don't miss a visit to the halls inside: Busts of famous scientists line the staircase landings. The "Universitätsbibliothek" also offers interesting exhibitions. 
The "Peterskirche" (St. Peter's Church) located opposite of the entrance to the "Universitätsbibliothek" (University Library) entrance is the oldest one preserved in Heidelberg's Old Town. It is assumed that the church was erected during the 12th century. The close relations between the church and the university date back from the 14th century. Marsilius of Inghen, one of the university's founders, was buried on church ground, his tomb, however, is not preserved. The "Universitätskapelle" (University Chapel), was added during a costly reconstruction of the church at the end of the 15th century. Another point of interest is the oak-tree east of the chancel which was planted in 1883 in memory of Martin Luther's 400th birthday. 
The "Heuscheuer", a medieval communal granary, was built in the 18th century from the ruins of a former corner tower of the city wall. In 1963, the building was reconstructed and renovated. Today, the "Heuscheuer" houses modern university lecture halls. During renovation, the staircases leading to former defense towers were rediscovered. One of them is still preserved and open to the public. 
"Zum Ritter St. Georg" (The Knight St. George) is one of very few buildings of Heidelberg to survive the demolitions during the Wars of Succession and is considered the most magnificent and beautiful of all. 
In 1518, Heidelberg became the first city to be visited by Luther after the publication of his Ninety-Five Theses. At the instigation of Rome, the Augustinian Order invited him to a disputation, at which he was to explain his theses in greater detail. Instead, he took advantage of the opportunity to present his 'theology of the cross', a Reformational perspective on Christian theology. 
