"Heidelberg - One of Germany's Greatest... " a Heidelberg Travel Page by Ewingjr98

I have visited Heidelberg twice, one time in 2000, then a second time in December 2002. Both trips were made with the sole purpose of visiting the amazing & beautiful Heidelberg castle.

Heidelberg city is an ancient city, full of history and charm. Its beginnings were formed prior to the establishment of its first university in 1386, however the university -- and the castle -- have determined the city's character throughout the ages.

The Altstadt (old city) is the heart of historical Heidelberg. Not only home to the castle, the Altstadt has dozens of buildings which have existed since the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Heidelberg's Altstadt is unique in Germany, as it was one of the few large cities not destroyed during World War II.

The modern city of Heidelberg is nearby and is a stark contrast to the Altstadt. This part of town is full of high-rise office buildings and apartments, as well as modern shopping plazas.