Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a city along the Neckar River in the Baden-Württemberg region of Germany. These photos were taken in July 2006:
The Universität Heidelberg (University of Heidelberg) is one of the oldest universities in Europe. It original name is the Ruprecht Karls Universität and was founded in 1386.
The Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle) is a famous ruin located about 80 meters (260 feet) above the Neckar River on the Königstuhl (King's Chair).
Inside the castles is the Großes Fass (Heidelberg Tun). It is a 7 meter (23 feet) high and 8 1/2 meter (28 feet) long wine barrel built by Prince Elector Karl Theodor in 1751. It can hold about 220,000 liters (58,118 gallons).
The original part of the castle was constructed around 1214 and expanded into two castles around 1294. Lightening destroyed the upper castle in 1537. It was rebuilt and expanded in 1650, only to be damaged again by fires and wars with the French. The castle was struck again by lightening in 1764.
Charles de Graimberg of France fought to preserve the castle and promoted it as a site for tourists around 1810. This was the turning point that transformed the decaying building into a tourist attraction.
The Church of the Holy Spirit was a Protestant and Catholic Church until it was changed into a completely Catholic Church in 1720. The church became completely Protestant in 1936.
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