Heidelberg

Getting introduced to Heidelberg was a real treat!!  We loved that old city.  We started with a quick visit to a bakery, then set off to explore the darling streets and shops. 

 This hotel was the only building that survived the big fire....it was used as the city hall before becoming a hotel.

We climbed the many stairs to the castle on the hill.  Parts are in ruins, and part of it you can go inside for a tour.  We'll do that next time.  (More detail of the castle is found in Lisa's blog)

David found the University of Heidelberg in town so we went in to explore.  It is 625 years old!!

This room is called the Great Hall and was built 125 years ago to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the university!!  It was amazing...looked right out of Hogwarts.

After that we went to the University's Student Prison where students would serve time of  up to 4 weeks for misdemeanors like knocking the hat off a policeman, drunkenness , letting out the pigs to go running down the street.  It became a status symbol to at least spend one time in the prison and put your name, silhouette, or poetry on the wall..  

 David found this cool  place he thinks we should live in.  It is actually a condo.  Not sure if is a refurbished old place , or new, made to look old......but is still very impressive.

Crossing the river to the hills opposite the castle, are some monastery ruins and the amphitheater that Hitler had built for youth rallies.  David and I climbed the narrow circular stairs to get another view of the valley.

Wonderful day in Heidelberg!!