Heidelberg, Germany Tourist Attractions
|
|
Situation and characteristicsHeidelberg, the old capital of the Palatinate and an ancient university town celebrated in song and poetry, lies at the point where the Neckar emerges from the hills of the Odenwald into the Rhine plain. Over the old town, caught between the river and the hills, looms its famous ruined castle. The best general views of the town in its beautiful setting are to be had from the Theodor Heuss Bridge and the Philosophenweg.
Hauptstrasse
From Bismarckplatz in Heidelberg, at the south end of the Theodor Heuss Bridge, the 2km/1.25mi long Hauptstrasse runs east to the Karlstor (1775).
Palatinate Museum
Half way along the Hauptstrasse in Heidelberg, in the Baroque Palais Morass, can be found the Palatinate Museum, with a collection of great artistic and historical interest (Windsheim Apostles' Altar, by Tilman Riemenschneider; cast of the lower jaw of Heidelberg Man, c. 500,000 years old).Farther east are the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Ghost; 1400-41), formerly the burial-place of the Electors Palatine, the Town Hall (Rathaus, 1701-03; from the nearby Kornmarkt a view of the castle), and the Haus zum Ritter, a Renaissance building of 1592. Here too, in the old Palais Weimar, is the Museum of Ethnography (Völkerkundemuseum).
University
On the south side of the Hauptstrasse in Heidelberg lies Universitätsplatz, with the Old University (Alte Universität; 1711). On its east side, in Augustinergasse, is the Pedellenhaus, with the student prison (Karzer) which was in use from 1778 to 1914 (open to visitors). The New University (Neue Universität) was built in 1928-31, with American aid. Behind it rises the Hexenturm (Witches' Tower), once part of the town's fortifications.Opposite, in Grabengasse, are the richly stocked University Library (Universitätsbibliothek), whose principal treasure is the 14th century "Manessische Handschrift", an illuminated manuscript book of medieval songs, the Seminargebäude and the Mensa (students' refectory) in Universitätsplatz. The little Peterskirche (15th C.) is now mainly used as the university church.
Neckarstaden
Between the Hauptstrasse and the Neckar in Heidelberg are the narrow streets and lanes of the old town. On the Neckarstaden (left bank of the river) is the old Marstall (Court Stables), now housing the University's art collection.
Stadthalle
Downstream from the Neckarstaden in Heidelberg stands the Stadthalle (1903) used for congresses and other events. Here too is the landing-stage of the passenger boats on the Neckar (to Mannheim and Neckarsteinach).
Karl Theodor Bridge
Upstream from the Neckarstaden in Heidelberg are the Karl Theodor Bridge, known as the Old Bridge (fine views), and the twin-towered Brückentor (Bridge Gate).
Philosophers' Path
From the Philosophenweg in Heidelberg, which runs east from the north end of the Theodor Heuss Bridge along the right bank of the Neckar, on the slopes of the Heiligenberg, there is a famous view of the town and the castle.Also on the north side of the Neckar are the Zoo (in Tiergartenstrasse), the Botanic Garden (in Hofmeisterweg) and a number of recently built University institutes.
Heidelberg Castle
The impressive Heidelberg Castle exudes a typically German Renaissance architectural style. Superb views over Heidelberg can be enjoyed from the Castle's Great Terrace.
| Highlight: |
|---|
German Museum of Pharmacy
The German Museum of Pharmacy in Heidelberg covers the history of apothecaries during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their instruments and examples of their preparations are on display. Furnishing from pharmacies since the Baroque period, manuscripts, pharmacy emblems and books are also featured at the German Museum of Pharmacy.
International Festival of Women Composers
The dates for this annual four-day festival vary from year to year. Events include chamber concerts, and piano and organ recitals, as well as seminars and exhibitions highlighting women composers.The repertoire is mainly contemporary and focuses on works by European women.Two events are usually held on each day of the festival in impressive venues including Germany's oldest university, the Church of the Holy Ghost and the Kurpfälzisches Museum.
Memorial to Kirchhoff and Bunsen
A plaque on the commemorates the work of Kirchhoff and Bunsen in the field of astrophysics. Across the street is a statue of Bunsen.
| Highlights: |
|---|
Map of Heidelberg Attractions
Map - Heidelberg
