Easter
is upon us, and since my last post I've finished the mountain of work
that was set over the semester break, which included five term papers
totalling over sixty-five pages! During this time I miraculously
squeezed in a birthday celebration, welcome visits from a couple of
friends and an uplifting visit from my Mum last week.
Having
had the chance to show a few friends and family around Heidelberg, I
figured I'd share the best places in and around Heidelberg to visit –
just in case you happen to be one of the 3.3 million people that visit
the city every year!
The Castle
Heidelberg Castle also known as the Schloss dates back to the early 13th
century. Having withstood repeated attacks during the Thirty Years War
and two lightning strikes the ruins have an eerie majesty. The castle is
also home to a gigantic wine barrel which has a capacity of over
200,000 litres!
The Student Prison
Yes, up until 1914 the University once incarnated its unruly pupils in the Studenten Karzer.
Serving time for minor offences, such as drunkenness or disruptive
behaviour rebellious students could spend up to several weeks locked up!
Located at the University of Heidelberg Museum, visitors can view
several cells. Inside in true James Dean style layers of graffiti and
defiant phrases scrawled by ex-inmates cover the walls.
Philosopher's Walk
The
Philosopher's Walk is also great for a stroll in nature. For the more
adventurous, a climb up to the top of the mountain reveals a huge
amphitheatre constructed during the Nazi era, as well as well as St
Michael's Monastery, a medieval ruin.
Alte Brücke
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Built in the 18th
Century, the stone bridge links the Old Town to Philosopher's Walk, and
offers picturesque views of the city along the stretch of the Nekar
River.
Beyond Heidelberg
Mannheim
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Mannheim
is a bustling multicultural city which neighbours Heidelberg.
Impressively, Mannheim University has an eighteenth-century palace as
its central grounds, which was once home to the German prince Karl
Philip III. Nearby Luisen Park displays an array of South American and
Chinese plants, as well as all sorts of animals from flamingos and
penguins, to pythons and clown fish.
Schwetzingen Palace
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Ten
kilometers from Heidelberg, Schwetzingen Palace is styled with
influences from the Baroque and Rocco period. This is especially
reflected in its ornate rooms crafted with quirky optical illusions. The
gardens were also constructed to create an illusion of endlessness. Its
uniform, manicured lawns and statues add to the its grandeur.
Speyer Cathedral
The Cathedral, built in the early 11th
century holds the title of being the biggest preserved Romanesque
Church in the world. The quaint town is one of the oldest in Germany,
its first church being built as early as the 6th century. Coffee shops and gelato stores line the main street , making it an ideal place for a quiet Sunday.
So there you have it, an insider's travel guide to Heidelberg. Perhaps you've already visited. Share your experiences below!
Ciao!
