Heidelberg Castle

/ The most important single sight in Heidelberg is the magnificent castle on the hill. It is a romantic ruin, with enough buildings still standing to present a very good idea of how wonderful this complex was during its glory days in the 15th-17th centuries. Get off at the "Schloss" castle station, go through the arched gateway and walk left for the grand vista looking down on the town below. You can see how the castle is built on steep cliffs to prevent invasion from the front, with high walls and a dry moat protecting the rear.
As you stand in the courtyard surrounded by the castle, your eyes will be drawn to the impressive Renaissance façade of the Friedrich Building, dripping with sculptural and decorative architectural details. Built from 1601-07 as the living quarters for the Duke of Bavaria, it is embellished with 16 elegant statues depicting emperors and kings of the Wittelsbach dynasty, clad in stone armor befitting their noble warrior status.
Get off at the "Schloss" castle station, go through the arched gateway and walk left for the grand vista looking down on the town below. You can see how the castle is built on steep cliffs to prevent invasion from the front, with high walls and a dry moat protecting the rear.
As you stand in the courtyard surrounded by the castle, your eyes will be drawn to the impressive Renaissance façade of the Friedrich Building, dripping with sculptural and decorative architectural details. Built from 1601-07 as the living quarters for the Duke of Bavaria, it is embellished with 16 elegant statues depicting emperors and kings of the Wittelsbach dynasty, clad in stone armor befitting their noble warrior status.
Your basic ticket also includes a visit into the German Pharmacy Museum, which has several basement galleries covering the history of medicine and pharmaceuticals.
As you emerge into the castle courtyard, the next stop is the Castle Garden. Don't leave without a good stroll through these vast green terraces, which have quite a history of their own.
It is worth walking to the far end of the Castle Garden to get another excellent view of the town, from a different angle than you have seen previously. Several lovely fountains, are scattered through the gardens, especially at the back edge where a voluptuous river god lounges in a grotto.