One of the most important cultural monuments in Germany towers high above the town of Heidelberg on a terrace jutting out from Mount Königstuhl. Ever since the 19th century, these castle ruins have been the epitome of German Romanticism and the subject of countless poems and paintings.

The epitome of Romanticism
After it was destroyed by the French, Heidelberg Castle, one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Germany, came to be regarded as one of its most attractive ruins. The former residence of the Palatinate Electors, which in the Romantic period was the source of inspiration for numerous poets and philosophers, towers high above the town. It offers spectacular views of the River Neckar, the famous Philosophers' Walk and the sea of rooftops in the old town. Main attractions include the German Pharmaceutical Museum, which displays pharmaceutical paraphernalia from past centuries, and the "Great Vat", a testament to the Electors' fondness for wine.

Heidelberg offers its visitors a diverse programme of exhibitions and more than 20 museums and institutions. One very special museum is the German Pharmacy Museum. Visitors can discover the history, art and culture of the Palatinate region in the Palatinate Museum. Being a university town, Heidelberg also has a university museum with displays relating the history of Germany's oldest seat of learning.

The romantic dream town of so many artists from all over the world is today a vibrant centre of culture, which combines a sense of tradition with a love of cultural experimentation. More than ten museums, the triple-genre municipal theatre, the Zwinger 3 youth theatre, various orchestras, a number of private theatres and international forums offer culture at its best.