The Old Heidelberg Tour

Ritter Hotel, Old Church and Madonnas

The Ritter Hotel

By R. Oliver
In 1685, the “Kurpfalz” (Palatinate), to this day a protestant region (Oh no, religion!) was taken over by a Catholic sovereign. He tried to encourage his subjects to convert to Catholicism by offering financial incentives and starting a religious propaganda campaign. Jesuits supported this campaign by distributing pamphlets, organizing pilgrimages and processions and erecting Madonna statues.

You can view one of the statues here. By the way, the name of the square “Kornmarkt” means Grain Market, where transactions in this commodity took place.

The Madonna

By D. Godfrey
Another point of interest is the “Ritter Hotel”, originally a renaissance palace built in 1592 by Charles Belier form Tournoi. It stands directly across from the beautiful gothic “Heiliggeistkirche” (Church of the Holy Ghost) built in early 1400. It contains the tombs of Ruprecht III von Hohenzollern and his wife. Both structures are an integral part of the old city center; close the famed Heidelberg University, the “Alte Brüke” (old bridge) crossing the Neckar River, and a number of ancient and still popular restaurants, guesthouses and pubs.

Main Street and Downtown

Heidelberg University, Marstall and other views

By D. Godfrey
The Marstall is first and formost a …stall… has something to do with horses. Nowadays, however, it is the student Mensa… cafeteria…, in addition to the associated lecture halls, and has special significance for this narrator. When I was a student here a hundred years ago, I ran into a coed who was looking for some tutoring. She got so much tutoring, she decided (much later) to hire me as her permanent tutor, which I am to this day. You can put as much meaning into the word Tutor as you would like: you have my permission.

Originally, the Marstall was an arsenal of the Heidelberg Castle, in which several different goods were stored. It was build during the first half of the 16th century on the banks of the Neckar River, so that the trading vessels could anchor right in front of it. The gate of the western inner courtyard is preserved. Four defense towers were located at the building’s corners.

Other Places of Interest

Witches Tower

By R. Oliver
On the other side of the river looking up toward the top of the mountain you may notice an old watch tower, popularly called the “Witches Tower” by many, clearly visible form the old bridge. It is near the site of an ancient Germanic settlement. Exploring this area will lead you to the ruins of an ancient monastery as well as other historical points of interest of the beaten path. It is also the upper end of the “Philosophenweg” (philosophers trail) that can be followed down to the river front (or up if you are of the hardier variety). It is a very popular destination for anyone delving a bit deeper in the areas history as well as hikers, or people just wanting to commune with nature. You will conveniently find a cozy restaurant at the top to quench your thirst from hiking the surrounding woods.

Hiking

By R. Oliver
Speaking of hiking. The enthusiast will find miles upon miles of trails crisscrossing the mountains surrounding Heidelberg leading to old wells, or even other to other outlying villages. Don’t be surprised if you come across old stone markers with strange name chiseled into them, most trails have been in use for centuries. I always have a sense of awe contemplating the people who walked these trails before me.