HEIDELBERG
Sightseeing
History I
Sightseeing I
Practical I Hotels in Heidelberg
Heidelberg Castle
(mainly 14th-17th century) : Heidelberg castle is one of the most
important German cultural monuments.
The structure, now largely in ruins, preserves numerous examples of
medieval, Renaissance, and baroque German architecture.
. As a residence of the Palatinate electors
from the 13th to the 18th century, it experienced a magnificent and
eventful history. Periods of expansion were followed by those of
devastation. The castle buildings with the greatest artistic importance
were built during the Renaissance. Since the 19th century Heidelberg has
been famous the world over for the romantic appearance of its castle
ruins and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
The
old town
doesn't cover a particularly large area. The best starting point for
an exploration
of the old town is probably Bismarckplatz. From Bismarckplatz one can walk down
the pedestrian's Hauptstrasse (high street). This is the main shopping
street in Heidelberg where plenty of opportunities can be found to pick up
some souvenirs or stop for a coffee/bite to eat.
Other
main attractions include :
Haus Zum
Ritter : This beautiful
house was constructed in 1592 for the family of a rich cloth merchant.
It is a fine example of German Mannerist style. Inside are now a hotel
and restaurant.
Die
Heiliggeistkirche
(Church of the Holy Spirit) :Built in 1400-1441 on the site of a
late-Romanesque basilica, the church of the Holy Spirit is the town's
oldest sanctuary.
Philosophenweg
(Philophers' Walk) : Built in 1817 on the slopes of Heiligenberg at an
altitude of 200 m. This road offers a magnificent view of Heidelberg and
its castle.
Heiliggeistkirche
(Church of the Holy Spirit) :Built in 1400-1441 on the site of a
late-Romanesque basilica, the church of the Holy Spirit is the town's
oldest sanctuary.
Philosophenweg
(Philophers' Walk) : Built in 1817 on the slopes of Heiligenberg at an
altitude of 200 m. This road offers a magnificent view of Heidelberg and
its castle.
Heidelberg University was founded by
Elector Ruprecht I of the Palatinate and chartered by Pope Urban VI in
1386. In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, three libraries came
into existence that were part of the university. They consisted of the
book collections of the liberal arts faculty, of the higher faculties
and of the collegiate church (Holy Ghost Church). The core of the
collections in the faculty libraries consisted almost solely of the
books left to the university by professors. In this way by 1396 the
university managed to build up a collection of over 600 books.
The University Library is the main library of the University of
Heidelberg (Ruprecht-Karls-Universität) library system, serving about
24,000 students. The library also provides literature and information
for other institutions of higher learning in Heidelberg (Teacher
training academy, University for Jewish Studies) as well as for users in
both the city of Heidelberg and the surrounding region. The university
library is a member of both German and international interlibrary loan
set-ups and serves as a partner for other libraries in the area of
Heidelberg.
