Heidelberg Castle Historical Facts and Pictures

One of the most important renaissance structures in the Northern Alps, the ruins of Heidelberg Castle is a famous landmark of Germany. Known as the Red-Walled Castle, the earliest structure was built before 1214. The castle has been restored many times in the course of history. After the expansion of its earliest structure in 1294 into 2 castles, it was destroyed by a lightning bolt in 1537. The present structure of the castle had also been damaged by wars and fires in later centuries.

Heidelberg Castle Map

Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle Images

Architecture and Construction

The structure does not follow any particular constructional plan and exemplifies renaissance, medieval and baroque architectural styles. The southern and western parts of the castle are dominated by Gothic structures. The massive stonewalls, with richly decorated sculptured figures at the northern and eastern sections of the castle, resemble the magnificent renaissance palaces.

Heidelberg Castle Main Entrance

Heidelberg Castle Photos

Heidelberg Castle Pictures

The Elizabeth Gate of Heidelberg Castle

Interior of Heidelberg Castle

The internal section of the castle consists of rooms of modest size and decorations. Most of these decorated rooms are comprised within the Friedrick Building.

Heidelberg Castle Interior

Inside Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle Inside

Interior Coorridor of the Castle

Interior of Heidelberg Castle

Interior of the Church at Heidelberg Castle

The Great Heidelberg Tun

The castle houses a large wine vat within the cellars, known as the Heidelberg Tun or the Great Heidelberg Tun. Constructed in 1751, this large barrel had the capacity to contain 221,726 liters of wine. Because of the drying of woods, currently its capacity has reduced to 219,000 liters.

Great Barrel of Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle Tun

The several reconstruction processes have almost restored the earlier structure of the castle, in which its past grandeur and magnificence can still be traced.

Heidelberg Castle Hortus Neptune Statue

Heidelberg Castle Statue

Statue of Heidelberg Castle

Wolfstein Statue at Heidelberg Castle