News from Berlin
Heidelberg
December 17th, 2014
Heidelberg is the fifth largest town in the State of Baden Wurttemberg after Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Freiburg im Breisgau. The City served as a former residence of the Electorate of the Palatinate, which was a historical territory of the Holy Roman Empire. The architecture of the old town is an evidence of that time. The Karl’s gate it’s a part of it, which is a triumphal arch in honour of the Prince Elector Karl Theodor. It was built 1775-1781 and designed by Nicolas de Pigage. Another important element of the old town are Stables, which are from 16th-century building on the Neckar that has served several purposes through its history. The house Zum Ritter Sankt George is one of the few buildings to survive the War of Succession. Standing across from the Church of the Holy Spirit, it was built in the style of the late renaissance.
Heidelberg Castle is a famous ruin in Germany and landmark of Heidelberg. The castle ruins are among the most important Reneissance structures of north of the Alps. It is located 80 metres up to the northern part of the Konigstuhl hillside and thereby dominates the view of the old downtown. The earliest castle structure was built before 1214 and later expanded into two castles circa 1294, however, in 1537, a lightning – bolt destroyed the upper castle.
A reason to visit Heidelberg are events, which are organized there. One of them its Ball of Vampires. It is an German equivalent of Mardis Gras or Carnival in some German region, with a giant vampire-themed costumed party at the local castle or city hall is celebrated.
References and Links
- For more info: http://www.heidelberg-event.com/
Berlin Global