Heidelberg Castle

The city of Heidelberg, Germany. This bridge is called the Karl Theodor Bridge and was built around 1786.

A view of the city.

The actual castle is considered a ruins and some of it has been preserved. This is called the Powder Tower or the Exploded Tower. The piece which is laying at the foot of the tower was blown off in the War of Palatinate Succession in the year 1693 and fell into the moat.

Hopefully you can see this a bit. The camera does not have a great flash on it. Alex is standing on a keg. Actually the Great Barrel of 1750 is what it is actually called. This is the 3rd great barrel because two had been previously destroyed, however this one holds the most at 58,000 gallons. The top in which Alex is standing on was once a dance floor. You boys would never have to leave the house for a beer run.

The Friedrich Building. One of the few undamaged areas of the castle and has an intact interior. We were unable to tour the inside because we had gotten to the Castle a little later than planned. This part was believed to be built around 1601. It was reconstructed in the early 1900's.

A view from the courtyard.

I do not remember what this tower was called. The german word for castle is schloss. But that is a bit simplistic. Actually I think it goes like this...

The difference between the two words lies in the connotations... If someone talked about a "Burg" picture one of those medieval well-fortified castles where protection against enemies was the main aspect. Thick walls and ditches and drawbridges... a castle built up on a hill... with a dungeon.

"Schloss" has emphasis on the pomposity and splendor of the castle... a palace...beautiful, grand, representative...

And as usual, Alex and I try to take our picture by ourselves. We were on the tram which takes you to the top for those of us who mind walking a steep incline.