University library

Heidelberg

Copyright: Heidelberg Marketing GmbH, Foto Tobias Schwerdt
DESTINATIONS germany heidelberg Do & See University library

University library

The red sandstone facade of the library, adorned with sculpted figures and portraits, proclaims the significance of the building that presides over some 3 million books. Within, the staircase landings display carved busts of famous scholars, and the library’s regularly changing exhibitions invite a closer look. A special attraction is the "Codex Manesse", the world-famous medieval collection of secular Lieder which once was part of Heidelberg’s Bibliotheca Palatina.

Do & See

Heidelberg is considered one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. The harmonious ensemble of Castle, Old Town and river in the midst of mountains was an inspiration to the poets and artists of the Romantic period, and has lost none of its fascination today for millions of visitors from all over the world. The symbol of the city, Heidelberg Castle, lies some 70 meters or 230 feet above the Neckar on the hillside of Heidelberg’s local mountain, the Königstuhl (King’s Chair). The ruins of the Castle towering above the town are among the most impressive sights that a trip through Germany can offer the marveling traveller. The city of the oldest university in Germany (founded in 1386, and since 2007 officially a University of Excellence) looks back on more than 800 years of history: from the former residence city of Germany’s Prince Electors up to today’s modern and future-oriented center of knowledge and economic growth.