Heidelberg Castle

The Heidelberg Castle (German: Heidelberger Schloss) is a castle in the German city of Heidelberg. Originally a fort, it was transformed into a castle in 1544. Over the centuries, it has been damaged by war and fire. It still stands over the Neckar River today. It is one of the city's biggest tourist attractions.

Related Topics:
German - German - Heidelberg

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It was rebuilt by Prince Elector Karl Ludwig (1649 - 1680), only to be destroyed once again by French troops. Prince Elector Karl Theodor, who resided in Schwetzingen, tried to restore the castle to make it inhabitable once again, but in vain: Lightning struck the Castle in 1764.

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In the centuries that followed, the castle was misused as a quarry - castle stones helped to build new houses in Heidelberg. This was stopped in 1800 by Count Charles de Graimberg, who made any effort he could to preserve the Heidelberg Castle.

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Inspite of its Gothic interior, it was not until 1934, that the Kings Hall was added. Today, the hall is used for festivities, e.g. dinner banquets, balls and theatre performances. During the Heidelberg Castle Festival in the summer, the courtyard is the site of open air musicals, operas and theatre performances and classical concerts such as the famous "Castle Serenades" performed by the Heidelberg City Orchestra.

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