Haus zum Ritter (House of the Knights), Heidelberg

The House of the Knights is Heidelberg's oldest surviving residential building. It was originally built in 1592 by Charles Belier. The renaissance building was constructed with stone and is the only residential building that survived the 1693 fire. Since it was one of the few remaining buildings, it served as the town hall from 1693 to 1703.

The house has several Latin inscriptions. One says “May beauty remain undefeated.” Another is translated as "Glory to God alone." The longer inscription can be translated as "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders work in vain."

The house also has a ram symbol above the entrance. The ram symbol represents the Belier family, as "belier" is the French word for ram.

Famous French writer Victor Hugo visited the house in 1838 and was impressed by its survival and beauty.

The House of the Knights has been used for various purposes over the centuries. Three hundred years ago, it was used as an inn. Today, it is again used as a hotel.