Heidelberg Castle

Another optional tour on this cruise was to the city of Heidelberg where we first rode the bus to the castle, some towers of which were built in the 14th century and some in the 16th century by the Protestant electors.

This is the Elizabeth Gate, the birthday gift of Frederic V for his wife Elizabeth Stuart.

The Renaissance-Baroque Friedrich Wing, built by Freidrich IV (1592-1610.)

The Italian Renaissance Otto-Heinrich Wing of 1566.

A view of the city of Heidelberg from the castle. Note the large church in the center, the Heiliggeistkirche (Holy Ghost Church.)

A view of the Neckar River to the east of Heidelberg.

One of the large wine vats in the castle. There was even a much larger one I did not photograph.

A view of a moat around the castle.

The Gesprengter Tower, built in the 15th century, damaged when the powder stored in it was detonated.

City of Heidelberg

Along with lunch in a local restaurant, we were treated to some songs from "The Student Prince."

The Haus zum Ritter(The Knight's House), built in 1592 for a Huguenot merchant.

A side view of the Heiliggeistkirche, with the covered stalls along the wall between the buttresses.

The interior of the church. From 1706 to 1936 a wall separated the church into two sections, one for Protestants and one for Catholics.

The Jesuitenkirche, built at the beginning of the 18th century.

The interior of the Jesuitenkirche.

The Students' Prison, where rowdy students between 1712 and 1914 were incarcerated for their behavior.

On the walls the students left inscriptions, coats of arms and other reminders of their visit there.

The main building of the University of Heidelberg which was established in 1386.

The main lecture hall of the University.

While walking along one of the main streets, we saw the ProvidenzeKirche. We were attracted by the "Ehre sei Gott" text at the entrance, since the Dutch have a Christmas carol with that text ("Ere zij God.")

The interior has what we believe to be a Martin Luther window. In another part of the city our local guide had pointed out a plaque commemorating Luther's visit to Heidelberg for a disputation (theological debate) in 1518.

An old building along the river.

A view of the Neckar River.

The gate on the main bridge over the Neckar.

One last view of the castle from the city.