Alte Universitat (Old University Building), Heidelberg (must see)

Heidelberg’s Old University stands on University Square in the heart of the Old Town and forms the historic centre of Germany’s oldest university, founded by Elector Rupert I in 1386. Despite its name, the present building does not date from the institution’s medieval beginnings. The earlier structure was destroyed in 1693 during the War of the Palatine Succession, when French troops devastated much of Heidelberg. Construction of its Baroque replacement began in 1712 under Elector Johann Wilhelm and continued into the 1730s. Originally called William House in his honour, the building now contains the Rector’s Office and several of the university’s principal historical attractions.

Its main interior highlight is the Old Assembly Hall on the first floor. Architect Josef Durm remodelled the room for the university’s 500th anniversary in 1886, transforming it into an ornate ceremonial space filled with carved woodwork, gilded decoration, portraits, busts, and ceiling medallions. These honour the university’s founders, benefactors, faculties, and prominent scholars. The visual centrepiece is Ferdinand Keller’s large allegorical painting on the south wall behind the podium, representing the university’s past, present, and future. The hall remains in use for academic ceremonies, lectures, concerts, and other events.

In front of the building stands the Lion Fountain, crowned by the heraldic lion of the Palatinate and Heidelberg. For centuries, it provided local residents with drinking water. University Square covers the foundations of an Augustinian monastery destroyed in 1693. Martin Luther defended his theological arguments there during the Heidelberg Disputation of 1518.

On the ground floor, the University Museum traces the institution’s history through documents, portraits, photographs, scientific instruments, and temporary exhibitions. Behind the building, accessible from Augustinian Lane, is the Student Prison, where students were confined for minor offences until 1914. Its walls and ceilings remain covered with their poems, names, silhouettes, and graffiti. A combined ticket covers the museum and the prison, while the Old Assembly Hall may be visited when it is not being used for an event.