Alte Universitat (Old University Building), Heidelberg (must see)
Heidelberg proudly hosts Germany's oldest university, founded in the 14th century. Among its most beautiful buildings is the Alte Universit盲t ("Old University"), nestled in the Old Town. The name can be a bit misleading, as the current structure was completed in 1735, replacing the original that was razed during the Palatine War of Succession in 1693. Step inside to discover the Alte Aula, a splendid 19th-century assembly hall adorned with allegorical paintings by Ferdinand Keller on its north wall and ceiling.
At the fore of the Old University is a square with a fountain topped by a sculpture of the heraldic Palatinate lion. For centuries, this fountain was one of Heidelberg's main drinking water sources. The square itself was built over the remains of an Augustinian monastery that did not survive the year 1693, when French troops took the town and castle, bringing nearly total destruction to the area.
Today, the Old University building serves as a venues for diverse events and houses the University Museum, which showcases the illustrious history of this renowned German institution from its inception to the present day. A single ticket grants access not only to the museum, but also to the Alte Aula and the intriguing Student Prison at the rear, accessed via Augustinergasse.
At the fore of the Old University is a square with a fountain topped by a sculpture of the heraldic Palatinate lion. For centuries, this fountain was one of Heidelberg's main drinking water sources. The square itself was built over the remains of an Augustinian monastery that did not survive the year 1693, when French troops took the town and castle, bringing nearly total destruction to the area.
Today, the Old University building serves as a venues for diverse events and houses the University Museum, which showcases the illustrious history of this renowned German institution from its inception to the present day. A single ticket grants access not only to the museum, but also to the Alte Aula and the intriguing Student Prison at the rear, accessed via Augustinergasse.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Heidelberg. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Alte Universitat (Old University Building) on Map
Sight Name: Alte Universitat (Old University Building)
Sight Location: Heidelberg, Germany (See walking tours in Heidelberg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Heidelberg, Germany (See walking tours in Heidelberg)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Heidelberg, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Heidelberg
Creating your own self-guided walk in Heidelberg is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Philosophers鈥� Path
Heidelberg may be famous for its Castle, Old Town, and University, but its attractions don't stop there. A trip to Heidelberg isn't complete without visiting the Philosopher's Path.
Located on the northern side of the Neckar River, this popular path, about two kilometers long, meander along the sunny side of Holy Mountain. Over the centuries, it has inspired numerous scholars and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Located on the northern side of the Neckar River, this popular path, about two kilometers long, meander along the sunny side of Holy Mountain. Over the centuries, it has inspired numerous scholars and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Heidelberg Introduction Walking Tour
Heidelberg is located on the Neckar River and is Baden-W眉rttemberg鈥檚 fifth-largest city. One-quarter of the approximately 160,000 residents are students. Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 and is Germany鈥檚 oldest and one of Europe鈥檚 most prestigious universities. In addition, Heidelberg is home to internationally acclaimed research facilities, including four Max Planck Institutes.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles