Heidenloch (Heathen Hole), Heidelberg

Constructed during medieval times, this shaft, known as the Heathen Hole, descends 55 meters into the earth, with a diameter ranging from 3 to 4 meters. Located a few meters west of the lookout tower on the road to Heiligenberg, it has been a noted attraction since early modern times. For a long period, it was covered by a vault and barred, but was reopened in 1936 and thoroughly explored by employees of the Palatinate Museum. In 1987, a shelter was built over the exposed shaft to protect it.

The origins and purpose of the Heathen Hole remain a mystery, as excavation findings have not provided clear explanations. The most plausible theory suggests that people may have been searching for water during prehistoric times or at the latest during the Roman period, but found none. Over time, various excavation and expansion efforts were carried out here, and by the early modern period, it had been modified multiple times. The bottom was lined with bricks, was partly filled with rubble and later with objects from monasteries, the shaft head was reinforced with square brickwork, and the hole was even covered by a wall vault, leaving only a small exposed section.

When the shaft was uncovered in 1936, hewn stones and parts of columns were found, along with several metal utensils from a monastery, such as keys, horseshoes, stirrups, and knives. At around 22 meters deep, a carved line drawing was uncovered on the wall, known as the "portrait of a woman".