Germany’s Heidelberg Castle: A Monument to Past Greatness

Larger than life: Art that inspires us through the ages

A panoramic view of the town and castle of Heidelberg. The beautiful medieval town and the Neckar River are on the right. On the left, set on a hill 330 feet above the river, is Heidelberg Castle. From its lofty position, the castle has dominated the old town’s skyline for more than eight centuries. DaLiu/Shutterstock

Heidelberg Castle rises high above the medieval town of Heidelberg, Germany. First mentioned in 1214 as a fortified medieval castle, it later served as a royal residence for the prince-electors of the Holy Roman Empire. Different architectural styles are present throughout the complex.

The Ruprecht’s Wing, the oldest castle, is an example of Gothic architecture with its ribbed vaults and keystones. The Ottheinrich’s Wing epitomizes the ideal German Renaissance palace with its decorated façade, which features sculptures of figures from antiquity.